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HISTORY 


OF THE 



INFANTRY, 



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National Guard of Pennsylvania. 


COMPILED FROM THE OFFICIAL RECORDS, KY 




Edwin N. Benson, R. Dale Benson, Theo. E. Wiedersheim, 


COMMITTEE OF THE YLT1 RAN CORPS. 


PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 19th, 1880. 



































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HISTORY 






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OF THE 



INFANTRY, 


National Guard of Pennsylvania. 


COMPILED FROM THE OFFICIAL RECORDS, BY 


Edwin N. Benson, R. Dale Benson, Theo. E. Wiedersheim, 

COMMITTEE OF THE VETERAN CORPS. 


PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 19th„ 1880. 
















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PHILADELPHIA: 

WM. H. DOLE & CO.’S PRINTING HOUSE, 
No. 23 South Third St. 



HISTORY OF 


THE FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, 

NATIONAL GUARD OF PENNSYLVANIA. 


T HE late civil war in the United States is now a sad but 
a glorious memory. The incidents of the great struggle, 
which appeared sectional in geographical character, but which 
was in reality a fight for the existence and preservation of a 
mighty Republic, are now forgotten by many, unless reminded 
by chairs that are still vacant, or old worn-out blue sleeves that 
are still empty. 

The men of the present day who were too young to enlist 
in the war, discuss it carelessly and perhaps study it in the 
schools. Many of the active participants have been called 
away by death, and many of the organizations which partici¬ 
pated in the struggle are dying out or have a mere nominal 
existence. The Grand Army of the Republic and the Loyal 
Legion of the United States alone remain to keep alive the 
memory of the war and transmit to another generation the 
record of heroic deeds and honorable traditions. It remains 



4 


for the National Guard of the United States, and especially for 
such Regiments as participated actively in the war for the pre¬ 
servation of the Union, in a greater or less degree, to put upon 
record deeds for which “they have no apology to make,” as 
their great commander expressed himself for the part he took 
in the late struggle. This is the more important from the fact 
that such Regiments exist at the present time in a state of 
efficiency and discipline, and ready for any emergency in 
which their services may be legally required. 

The Regiments of the National Guard in Pennsylvania, in 
common with her sister states, were prompt to offer their ser¬ 
vices to the National and State authorities, when danger 
threatened the Commonwealth and imperiled the National life. 
The first shell fired at Sumpter awakened a military ardor, cre¬ 
ated by a righteous indignation at the audacity of the act in 
which rebellion, for a long time threatening, sprang into an 
odious existence. Actuated by patriotic motives, an organiza¬ 
tion was then created, which has since vitalized into a powerful 
and popular military body, with a subsequent career of honora¬ 
ble usefulness, to which the Government, State and National, has 
several times expressed a formal indebtedness in unmistakable 
terms. To give a brief history of this Regiment, born in times 
of peril and continued through various vicissitudes of pros¬ 
perity and trials, the Veteran Corps believes it to be a duty and 
a pleasure. On the 19th of April, 1879, at a meeting of the 
Corps, a resolution was introduced by Colonel R. Dale Benson 
“that a committee be appointed for the purpose of compil¬ 
ing a History of the First Regiment Infantry, N. G. of Pa., 
from its organization to the present time,” which was unan¬ 
imously adopted, and, in accordance with the resolution, Col. 
James W. Latta appointed as a committee Comrades Edwin 
N. Benson, R. Dale Benson and Theo. E. Wiedersheim. 


5 


On April 15th and 16th, 1861, the following Special Notice 
was published in the North American and U S. Gazette: 

Retired and contributing members of the Light Artillery Corps of Washington 
Grays, over the age of 45 years, are requested to meet at the Wetherill House, 
Sansom Street above Sixth, on Wednesday Evening, 17th inst., at 7.30 o’clock, 
for the purpose of organizing a 

“RESERVED GUARD” 

for the protection of the city and support of the Constitution and laws of the 
United States of America. 

(Signed) CEPHAS G. CHILDS. 

JOSEPH M. THOMAS. 

P. C. ELLMAKER. 

GEORGE W. WHARTON. 

JACOB BENNETT. 

To the surprise of all who had signed the call nearly eighty 
citizens were present at this meeting. The intention originally 
was merely to form a company, but the applications to become 
members being so numerous, in order to make the parties 
eligible, it was decided to amend the call by inserting the words 
“other citizens.” An agreement was then drawn up and 
signed by about eighty persons, and the meeting adjourned 
to re-assemble at Sansom Street Hall on Friday evening, the 
19th inst. 

An adjourned meeting of the retired members of the Wash¬ 
ington Grays, and other citizens, over the age of 45 years, was 
held at Sansom street Hall on April 19th. Mr. Chas. S. Smith 
presiding. 

There were no regular speeches delivered, the proceedings 
being entirely of a business character. A few remarks, how¬ 
ever, were made by P. C. Ellmaker, Morton McMichael, Joseph 
M. Thomas and Jacob Laudenslager, all of which were enthu¬ 
siastically received. 


6 


The following report was read by the secretary, P. C. 
Ellmaker: 


PLAN OF ORGANIZATION. 

“The President of the United States having, on the 15th inst., 
issued a proclamation announcing that a portion of the people 
were in open rebellion against the laws and the Constitution, 
we, the undersigned, retired and contributing members of the 
Washington Grays, and other citizens of Philadelphia, over 45 
years of age, hereby agree to form a Regiment of at least 800 
men, for the purpose of defending the city, and do hereby 
adopt and mutually pledge ourselves to be governed by the 
following 


RULES AND REGULATIONS. 

1. The organization shall be known as the “ First Regiment 
of Gray Reserves of the City of Philadelphia,” and shall con¬ 
sist of ten' companies of not less than eighty men each. 

2. The officers shall consist of a Colonel, Lieut.-Colonel, 
Major, Adjutant, (who shall act as Secretary), Paymaster, Sur¬ 
geon, Assistant Surgeon, and Quarter-Master. The Colonel 
Lieut.-Colonel and Major shall be elected as hereinafter provi¬ 
ded, and the Adjutant, Paymaster, Surgeon, Assistant Surgeon 
and Quarter-Master shall be appointed by the Colonel. 

3. The Company officers shall be a Captain, one First and 
one Second Lieutenant, four Sergeants, who shall be denomi¬ 
nated first, second, third and fourth, and four Corporals, who 
shall be designated in like manner, and rank accordingly. 

4. The uniform shall conform as nearly as practicable to 
that worn by the United States Infantry when in actual service, 
except that the color of the coat and pants shall be cadet gray. 


7 


5 - Applications for membership must be submitted to the 
Regiment, and, if any objection be made, referred to a com¬ 
mittee for investigation; all elections for members to be by 
ballot, unless otherwise ordered. 

6. The Companies shall be designated according to the first 
ten letters of the alphabet, and as soon as the requisite number 
are obtained to form six Companies of forty men each, they 
shall proceed to organize and choose their officers; and as 
soon thereafter as practicable, an election for field officers 
shall be held. 

7. Each Company, with tlie approbation of the Colonel of 
the Regiment, shall fix the time and place for drill, and make 
such rules and regulations for the government of the Companies 
respectively, not inconsistent with the rules and regulations, as 
they may deem necessary and proper. 

8. The officers of the Regiment, together with the Captains 
and Lieutenants of Companies, shall constitute a Regimental 
Board, who shall determine when it may be necessary to con¬ 
vene the Regiment, either for the purpose of business, parade 
or drill—provided that in case of emergency the Colonel may 
order a parade of a part or the whole of the regiment at any 
time. 

9. The object of the organization being for the defence of 
the city of Philadelphia, the members shall not be required to 
march beyond the limits of said city, but shall at all times hold 
themselves in readiness for service within such limits; and 
any refusal to perform such duty as may be required, or any 
insubordination, shall subject the member to immediate expul¬ 
sion. 

10. The discussion of political questions, upon all occasions, 
is hereby discountenanced, and positively prohibited at the 


8 


meeting of Companies or of the Regiment, under penalty of 
immediate dismissal. 

11. Until the Regiment shall be recognized by the consti¬ 
tuted authorities, the officers shall be invested with the same 
power and authority as though they were duly commissioned 
by the Governor of the Commonwealth. 

Resolved , That in the organization of the Companies the 
first forty on the list shall constitute Company “ A,” the second 
forty Company “ B,” and so on to the completion of all the 
Companies of the Regiment. Any surplus after the formation 
shall be distributed among the several Companies. 

Resolved , That in view of the necessity of an immediate 
organization, and the importance of electing persons of experi¬ 
ence in military matters as officers, the Chairman of the meet¬ 
ing is hereby authorized to appoint a committee of nine to 
select suitable persons to fill the positions of Colonel, Lieut- 
Colonel, Major, Captains and Lieutenants, to serve until all 
the Companies are full. 

Resolved , That the pattern of the hat and coat, and the mate¬ 
rial proposed for coat and pants, be approved, the cost of the 
total equipments for coat, pantaloons and cap, not to exceed 
fourteen dollars.” 

A committee of nine was appointed to select officers for the 
Regiment, namely: Morton McMichael, Robt. P. King, Chas. 
Gilpin, Jos. M. Thomas, Sam’l Branson, Jas. Lefevre, E. C. 
Markley, Samuel Welsh, Albert R. Foering. 

The committee retired, and on returning reported that it 
was expedient to appoint only a part of the officers; Mr. 
McMichael submitted the name of P. C. Ellmaker for Colonel, 
and the following for Captains: 

Company A. Charles S. Smith. 

“ B. Jacob Laudenslager. 


9 


Company C. 

Joseph N. Piersol. 

“ D. 

George W. Wood. 

“ E. 

William H. Kern. 

“ F. 

Thomas Kirkpatrick. 

“ G. 

George W. Briggs. 

“ H. 

Charles M. Prevost. 

“ I. 

Beaton Smith. 

“ K. 

Jacob Bennett. 


The report was unanimously adopted; the committee 
requested to be continued, and also that the officers appointed 
be added thereto, which was agreed to. 

It was stated that 825 men were already enrolled towards 
the formation of the ten companies. 

On April 20th the Committee on Organization met at the 
office of Joseph M. Thomas, No. 303 Walnut street, and the 
resignation of Captain Beaton Smith of “ I ” Company was 
accepted, and Charles P. Warner was elected to fill the 
vacancy. 

The first parade of the Regiment was on May 27th, 1861, 
fully uniformed but without arms, with the following Roster 
of Officers: 


Colonel—PETER C. ELLMAKER. 

Lieut.-Colonel, Richard H. Rush. Major, Napoleon B. Kneass. Adjutant, 
Jos. T. Ford. Quarter-Master, Jos. M. Thomas. Paymaster, R. P. DeSilver. 
Quarter-Master Sergeant, A. R. Foering. Suigeon, W. L; Atlee, M. D. Ass’t 
Surgeon, Thomas M. Drysdale. 

LINE OFFICERS. 

COMPANY A— Captain, Charles S. Smith. 

1st Lieutenant, James D. Keyser. 

2d “ Geo. F. Delleker. 

COMPANY B—Captain, William H. Kern. 

1st Lieutenant, Chas. F. Hupfeld. 

2d “ Benj. K. Ripperger. 


IO 


COMPANY C—Captain, Chas. M. Prevost. 

ist Lieutenant, Atwood Smith. 

2d “ C. P. Herring. 

COMPANY D—Captain, J. Ross Clark. 

ist Lieutenant, Edw. Watson. 

2d “ W. T. Martien. 

COMPANY E— Captain, Jacob Laudenslager. 

ist Lieutenant, Julius C. Sterling. 

COMPANY F —Captain, Joseph N. Piersol. 

ist Lieutenant, Wm. W. Wagner. 

2d “ John G. Murphy. 

COMPANY G—Captain, George W. Wood. 

2 cl Lieutenant, Harry Gorman. 

COMPANY H— Captain, Silas Wilson. 

ist Lieutenant, John M. Ross. 

2d “ James Brown. 

COMPANY I— Captain, Geo. W. Briggs. 

ist Lieutenant, Edw. Dewees. 

2cl “ Benj. W. Hays. 

COMPANY K—Captain, Chas. P. Warner. 

ist Lieutenant, H. D. Welsh. 

2cl “ J. S. Hess. 

and numbered 1000 men. A short time after this, the Regi¬ 
ment was armed and by its drill and discipline was made a 
valuable adjunct to the City authorities, as well as a military 
school of instruction; its services were not required until the 
following spring, when in May, 1862, Schuylkill County was 
the scene of a disturbance and threatened riot, owing to dis¬ 
satisfaction among the coal miners, who were on a strike for 
higher wages. On the 7th of May, on the requisition of the 
Governor, a force of about 160 men, comprising Companies 
A and C, and details from Co’s B. E and H, under command 
of Captain Charles S. Smith, of “A” Co., left the City by the 
3.15 P. M., train to proceed to Schuylkill Haven and report to 
the Sheriff of said County; upon arriving there, arrangements 
had been made to move the Battalion at once to Minersville, 


I 


and upon arriving there reported to the Sheriff, who had pro¬ 
vided rations for the command; after remaining a short time, 
were marched to Forestville, about three miles distant, and 
then to Heckscherville, on the opposite side of Thomas Moun¬ 
tain. 

The difficulties between the employers and employees 
being satisfactorily adjusted, owing in a great measure to the 
presence of the militia, the Battalion left Heckscherville, and 
on arriving at Schuylkill Haven they found Companies D and 
F, under command of Capt. J. Ross Clark, of D Company, in 
waiting; the whole command then left Schuylkill Haven for 
Philadelphia, arriving without accident. 

The 118th Regiment Infantry, P. V., raised by means fur¬ 
nished by the Corn Exchange of Philadelphia, drew largely 
for its officers from the 1st Regiment. Prominent among 
them was Colonel Charles M. Prevost and Major Charles P. 
Herring, both of whom were severely wounded, and brevetted 
Brigadier General for gallantry in action. The 118th Regi¬ 
ment was mustered into the service of the United States 
August 30, 1862, and took part in all the great battles with the 
Army of the Potomac, earning for itself a record “ second to 
none,” and was mustered out of service June 1st, 1865. The 
following extract from the Eleventh Annual Report of the 
Corn Exchange Association will show the part that the 118th 
Regiment took in the battle of the Wilderness: 

“May 5th, early in the morning, found the enemy in front. 
At 8 A. M. built breastworks. At 12.30 P. M., moved for¬ 
ward and charged the enemy, Colonel Gwyn in command of 
the second line of the brigade, Twentieth Maine and One 
Hundred and Eighteenth, Lieut.-Colonel Herring command¬ 
ing the regiment. Engagement very sharp, heat oppressive. 
At 1.30 P. M. obliged to retire to the breastworks, by reason 
of the enemy moving on our flanks in force. Colonel Gwyn 
wounded and carried off the field. At 5 P. M. moved to the 


12 


front again, and at 7 P. M. retired to the breastworks to 
bivouac for the night. Killed, two; wounded, twenty-six; miss¬ 
ing twenty-seven. May 6th, at 3.30 A. M. moved out to the 
front, formed line of battle in the woods near the enemy. 
Brigade in three lines, Sixth Corps connecting on the right. 
Under sharp fire all day. At 6 P. M. retired to breastworks 
and rested for the night. May 7, at 6 A. M., attacked by the 
enemy, who was repulsed. At 10 A. M. Lieut.-Colonel Her¬ 
ring, in command of three regiments, including the One Hun¬ 
dred and Eighteenth, charged the enemy, pressed him back to 
his works, and established a picket line. At 8 P. M. army 
moved toward Spottsylvania. Wounded, ten; missing, one. 
May 8, moved at 1 A. M. with a detachment under Lieut.- 
Colonel Herring; withdrew pickets and acted as a rear guard. 
At 10 A. M. reached Laurel Hill, near Spottsylvania Court 
House. Found the enemy engaged, and was sent to support 
a part of Crawford’s division. At 5 P. M. moved forward 
with Crawford and became hotly engaged. Killed, five; 
wounded, twenty-four; missing one. May 9, retired quietly at 
3 A. M. Rejoined the brigade at 8 A. M. and bivouaced 
for the day. May 10, moved at 4 P. M. out to front of breast¬ 
works at Peach Orchard, to make a charge. Orders for a 
charge countermanded. Bivouaced at 8 A. M. Lieutenant 
Coane wounded. Killed, one; wounded, one. May 11, under 
fire of the enemy’s artillery. Lieutenant Thomas wounded 
and sent to the rear. May 12, moved at 3 A. M. to the 
extreme right of the army, to act as skirmishers on the flank. 
Crossed the River Po, in conjunction with the army. Exposed 
to artillery fire. Killed, one; wounded, three; missing, one.” 

In July, 1862, Colonel Peter C. Ellmaker, commanding the 
1st Regiment, received authority from Governor Curtin to 
raise a regiment for three years’ service. Nearly all the offi¬ 
cers and a large number of the men were members of the 1st 
Regiment, and the regiment was known as the 119th P. V. 
(Gray Reserves) and was mustered into the United States 
service August 5, 1862, participating in all the great battles of 
the Army of the Potomac from Antietam to the surrender of 
the Confederate Army at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 
1865. After the surrender of Gen’l Jos. E. Johnston, the com- 


13 


mand returned to the neighborhood of Washington, and on 
the 6th of June proceeded to Philadelphia, when on the 19th 
of June, 1865, it was mustered out of service. 

The record of the 119th Regiment will compare favorably 
with any regiment enlisted from Pennsylvania. Recruiting 
commenced on the 5th of August, 1862, and on the 31st, before 
the organization had been perfected, it was ordered to Wash¬ 
ington. It proceeded thither on the following day, eight 
hundred strong, and was assigned temporarily to duty at the 
Arsenal. It was here joined by a company of one hundred 
and thirty men recruited by Captain John B. Adams, and 
the organization was completed with the following Field 
Officers: Peter C. Ellmaker, Colonel; Gideon Clark, Lieut.- 
Colonel; Charles C. Knight, Major. 

On the 19th of September, two days after the battle of An- 
tietam, it was ordered to fatigue duty on the northern defences 
of the Capital, and was employed in the construction of Forts 
Mansfield and Reno. A month later it joined the Army of 
Potomac, still in camp in the neighborhood of the Antietam 
battlefield, and was assigned to the First Brigade, Second 
Division, Sixth Corps. Though suddenly thrown among 
veterans of two campaigns, it was prepared, by its thorough 
training, to hold its place with credit. During the first 
Fredericksburg campaign the regiment had five men wounded, 
among them Major Knight. During the battles that were 
fought between April and June, 1863, prominent that of Salem 
Church, the regiment had twelve killed and one hundred and 
twelve wounded out of four hundred and thirty-two present 
for duty. Captain Peter Rodgers was among the killed, and 
Captains Charles P. Warner and Andrew T. Goodman and 
Lieutenant John M. Cook among the wounded. 

The 119th Regiment took part in all the battles of the Army 


14 


of the Potomac that were fought after June, 1863, and at the 
battle at Rappahannock Station the regiment lost seven killed 
and forty-three wounded. Captain Cyrus M. Hodgson and 
Lieutenants Edward Everett Coxe and Robert Reaney were 
among the killed. 

This regiment was with General Grant in the spring cam¬ 
paign of 1864; at the battle of the Wilderness had seven killed 
and sixty-three wounded, Lieutenant Geo. G. Lovett mortally; 
four color bearers were either killed or wounded at Spottsyl- 
vania. Lieutenant Edward Ford, Jr., was killed during a 
charge May 10, 1864. 

May 12, 1864, Major Henry P. Trufelt was killed, and 
almost immediately thereafter Captain Charles P. Warner, who 
succeeded in command, was also killed near Spottsylvania 
Court House. The scene of this struggle was known as the 
“ Bloody Angle,” or the “Slaughter Pen.” In the series of 
engagements up to this time, commencing on the 5th of May, 
out of an aggregate for duty of four hundred, the regiment 
had lost two hundred and fifteen. 

On the 18th of May, Lieut.-Colonel Clark assumed com¬ 
mand, (Col. P. C. Ellmaker having resigned January 12, 1864, 
and was honorably discharged), the regiment having been led 
since the fall of Warner by Captains Gray and Landell; at the 
battle of Cold Harbor Lieutenant George C. Humes, acting 
Adjutant, was among the killed. 

On April 2d, during a picket skirmish preparatory to storm¬ 
ing the enemy’s works near Fort Steadman, the One Hundred 
and Nineteenth, unaided, dislodged him from a formidable 
interior work, capturing many prisoners, with artillery, small 
arms and stands of colors. 

In this desperate encounter Colonel Clark, Lieutenant Geo. 
W. Shriver and Adjutant John D. Mercer were severely 


5 


wounded, the latter mortally, the command devolving on 
Lieut.-Colonel Gray, under whom it returned to Philadelphia, 
and was mustered out on the 19th of June, 1865. 

On the eleventh day of September, 1862, acting under 
authority of the President of the United States, Governor 
Curtin called for fifty thousand men, directing them to report 
by telegraph for orders to move, and adding that further calls 
would be made as the exigencies should require. 

In response to this call of the Governor, the 1st Regiment 
was mustered into the Service of the State on the 12th day of 
September 1862, as the 7th Regiment Penna. Militia, and was 
ordered to Harrisburg on the 15th inst., reaching there on the 
morning of the 16th, and was reviewed by the Governor, after 
which the Regiment proceeded by rail to Chambersburg. 

It remained all night in that town, and on the morning of 
17th, according to orders, marched to Camp McClure. No 
sooner had they halted when orders were received from 
Head-Quarters, directing the Regiment to re-embark in cars 
and proceed to Hagerstown. En route ball cartridge was 
issued each man ; arrived at Hagerstown, Md., in the evening, 
and marched to Boonsboro’ same night, halting on the way at 
Funkstown for an hour. On the morning of 18th returned to 
Funkstown and prepared to encamp. The arrival of a courier 
from General Reynolds, at Hagerstown, was the cause of a 
prompt march to that point and thence for a mile on the Clear 
Spring road. On reaching this place the Regiment was 
drawn up in line of battle, as the enemy were in its immediate 
front, Company C being detailed for picket duty, and so 
remained until morning of 19th without being attacked. At 
7 P. M. 19th inst., orders were received to strike tents and 
prepare for a march. 

Everything being in readiness, the Regiment marched 


16 


through Hagerstown, towards Green Castle, Pa., resting a 
short time on the way, and reaching the town on the morning 
of the 2 ist. The regiment then went into camp (Rest). The 
emergency having passed, the militia regiments were ordered 
to return to Harrisburg, and in accordance with the conditions 
upon which they had been called into service, they were, on the 
24th, mustered out and disbanded; the regiment arrived in 
Philadelphia on 25th. 

The following officers were in command during the tour of 
duty: 

Field and Staff: Colonel, Napoleon B. Kneass; Lieut.- 
Colonel, Chas. H. Graeff; Major, Joseph N. Piersol; Adjutant, 
William H. Keys; Quarter-Masters, Alfred R. Foering, Alex¬ 
ander P. Colesberry; Surgeon, Wm. C. Byington; Assistant 
Surgeon, Silas Updegrove; Sergeant Major, Benj. H. Dusen- 
bery; Quarter-Master Sergeant, Edwin Watson; Commissary 
Sergeant, Cauffman Oppenheimer; Hospital Steward, John H. 
Pratt. 

Company A—Captain, Chas. S. Smith; ist Lieutenant, Jas. 
D. Keyser; 2d Lieutenant, George F. Delleker. 

Company B—Captain, C. Fred. Hupfeld; ist Lieutenant, 
William Hart, Jr.; 2d Lieutenant, Charles S. Jones. 

Company C—Captain, Atwood Smith; ist Lieutenant, Wm. 
W. Allen; 2d Lieutenant, Jno. W. Powell. 

Company D—Captain, J. Ross Clark; ist Lieutenant, Chas. 
K. Ide; 2d Lieutenant, Charles E. Willis. 

Company E—Captain, Jacob Laudenslager; ist Lieutenant, 
Julius C. Sterling; 2d Lieutenant, Thos. Allman. 

Company F—Captain, Harry C. Kennedy; ist Lieutenant, 
Harry A. Fuller; 2d Lieutenant, Robert M. Banks. 

Company G—Captain, George W. Wood; ist Lieutenant, 
Geo. W. Mackin; 2d Lieutenant, John Rutherford, Jr. 


Company H—Captain, Francis P. Nicholson; ist Lieutenant, 
William W. Keys, (promoted to Adjutant); 2d Lieutenant, 
Geo. W. Kern. 

Company I—Captain, George W. Briggs; ist Lieutenant, 
Edward A. Adams ; 2d Lieutenant, Joseph A. Speel. 

Company K—Captain, Henry D. Welsh; ist Lieutenant, 
David A. Wcelpper; 2d Lieutenant, John Wandell. 

Company L—Captain, Isaac Starr, Jr.; ist Lieutenant, Benoni 
Frishmuth; 2d Lieutenant, John A. Jenks. 

This regiment was discharged September 26th, 1862. In an 
order issued by Governor Bradford, of Maryland, soon after 
the battle of Antietam, he says: “ To Governor Curtin, of 

Pennsylvania, and the militia of his State, who rallied with such 
alacrity at the first symptoms of an invasion, our warmest 
thanks are also due. The readiness with which they crossed 
the border, and took their stand beside the Maryland brigade, 
shows that the border is, in all respects, but an ideal line, and 
that in such a cause as now unites us Pennsylvania and Mary¬ 
land are but one.” 

When it became known that General Lee and his entire 
army was north of the Potomac, and marching on Pennsyl¬ 
vania, Governor Curtin, on June 26th, 1863, issued his pro¬ 
clamation, declaring that the enemy in force was advancing 
upon the border, and calling for sixty thousand men, to be 
mustered into the service of the State for ninety days; but to 
remain only so long as the safety and honor of the Common¬ 
wealth should require. 

The regiment promptly responded and was the first one 
mustered in under this call and known as the Thirty-second 
Regiment, P. M., with the following officers: 


I 


Field and Staff: Colonel, Charles S. Smith; Lieut.- 
Colonel, Isaac Starr, Jr.; Major, Frank P. Nicholson; Adjutant, 
George S. Bethell; Quarter-Master, Edwin Watson; Ass’t- 
Surgeons,William Darrah, Jr., Thos. A. Downs; Chaplain, J.W. 
Huntington; Sergeant Major, John J. Rutherford; Commissary 
Sergeant, George A. Smith; Quarter-Master Sergeant, J. P. 
Broomall; Hospital Steward, Samuel Meader. 

Company A—Captain, Jas. D. Keyser; ist Lieutenant, W. 
W. Hollingsworth: 2d Lieutenant, Amos. Lanning. 

Company B—Captain, Charles S. Jones; ist Lieutenant, J. 
McCreight; 2d Lieutenant, Geo. Dodd, Jr. 

Company C—Captain, Wm. W. Allen; ist Lieutenant, Jno. 
W. Powell; 2d Lieutenant, J. Lowrie Bell. 

Company D—Captain, J. Ross Clark; ist Lieutenant, Chas. 
E. Willis; 2d Lieutenant, Harry F. West. 

Company E—Captain, Jacob Laudenslager; ist Lieutenant, 
James Muldoon; 2d Lieutenant, Franklin C. Garrigues. 

Company F—Captain, Harry C. Kennedy; ist Lieutenant, 
Benj. H. Dusenberry; 2d Lieutenant, Robert M. Banks. 

Company G—Captain, Henry J. White; ist Lieutenant, Jas. 
C. Wray; 2d Lieutenant, Thos. H. Mudgo. 

Company H—Captain, George W. Kern; ist Lieutenant, 
Mortimer L. Johnson; 2d Lieutenant, David Jones. 

Company I—Captain, Geo. W. Blake; ist Lieutenant, W. 
Maris, Jr.; 2d Lieutenant, John C. Sullivan. 

Company K—Captain, William W. Keys; ist Lieutenant, 
David A. Woelpper: 2d Lieutenant, Silas H. Safford. 

The regiment left Camp Russell, Harrisburg, June 28, 1863, 
and marched across the Susquehanna river, and went into 
camp about a mile above the fortifications. Broke camp 
July ist, and marched toward Carlisle; after a tedious tramp 


19 


arrived at Carlisle in the evening and were greeted with much 
enthusiasm by the citizens, Brisbin’s brigade being the first 
body of Union troops that had entered the town since its evac¬ 
uation by the Confederates; they had been in town but a short 
time when the place was attacked by the Confederate General 
Fitz-Hugh Lee, in force. His summons to Major-General 
Smith, U. S. A., commanding the division, to surrender the 
place, was refused; the brigade held the town all night under a 
steady fire from the enemy’s guns of shell, grape and canister; 
in this engagement several men of the regiment were wounded, 
one mortally. The government barracks were fired and 
destroyed by the Confederates. Advancing from the town in 
the morning, it was discovered that the entire force of the enemy 
had retreated. Remained in camp upon the barracks ground 
until Saturday morning, July 4th, when the brigade marched 
over South Mountain to Pine Grove Furnace, and on the 6th 
inst. arrived at Gettysburg turnpike after a severe march, and 
encamped at “ Newman’s Tavern,” on said turnpike; on the 
7th broke camp and marched to Waynesboro’, arriving at 6 
P. M., and went into camp about one mile from the town, where 
they remained until the nth. Orders were issued to break 
camp at 7 A. M., and after a march of about eight miles, the 
brigade crossed the line into Maryland. A reconnaissance 
was ordered in force to capture a party of Confederate cavalry, 
during which companies K and G secured prisoners; on the 
13th broke camp and marched to Hagerstown, where they 
formed a close junction with the Army of the Potomac; orders 
were received to hold themselves in readiness for service; part 
of the brigade (Blue Reserves), under General Kilpatrick, were 
ordered into action and had a brisk skirmish, having nine of 
their men wounded; on the 14th the brigade was again ordered 
into line of battle, at 7 A. M.,and remained in line until orders 


20 


were received that the whole of the Confederate army had 
re-crossed the Potomac. The brigade remained in camp 
until 21st, when they were ordered to break camp, and 
marched to Hagerstown, thence to Green Castle, Pa., where 
the regiment encamped on the same spot as they did in Sep¬ 
tember, 1862, remaining until 25th, when they received march¬ 
ing orders. Started for Chambersburg, arriving at 11 A. M.^ 
and went into camp, remaining until 26th, when they embarked 
for Philadelphia, where they arrived on the 27th, and on the 
1st of August the regiment was mustered out of the service by 
Lieut.-Colonel Starr, mustering officer. 

We note the following from Bates’ History of Pennsylvci?iia 
Volunteers: 

“Further services for which the militia had been called, was 
no longer required, and during the months of August and 
September the majority of the men were mustered out. 

“With few exceptions they were not brought to mortal con¬ 
flict. They nevertheless rendered most important service. 
They came forward at a moment when there was pressing 
need. Their presence gave great moral support to the Union 
army, and had that army been defeated at Gettysburg, they 
would have taken the places of the fallen, and would have 
fought with a valor and desperation worthy of veterans. 
Called suddenly to the field from the walks of private life, 
without a moment’s opportunity for drill or discipline, they 
grasped their muskets, and by their prompt obedience to every 
order showed their willingness—all unprepared as they were— 
to face an enemy before whom veterans had often quailed, &c.” 

On the 4th of August, 1863, the following General Order 
was issued, on account of the Thirty-second Regiment, P. M., 


2 


having been mustered out of the service and again becoming 
the First Regiment of the Reserve Brigade: 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT, G. R. R. B. 

Philadelphia , August 4th , 186j. 

General Orders. 

The undersigned re-assumes the command of the First 
Regiment, Grey Reserves, Reserve Brigade, organized and 
officered as it was previous (viz. June 25th) to being mustered 
into the service of the State as the Thirty-second Regiment, 
P. M. 

By order of C. S. SMITH, 

Signed, Colonel Comd'g. 

George S. Bethell, Adjutant. 

Nothing of importance occurred in the regiment after the 
campaign of 1863 until its re-organization under the new 
militia law of 1866. Although receiving very little support 
or encouragement from the City or State, it managed by 
individual efforts to maintain a high state of discipline and 
drill, and was ever ready to respond to any duty imposed 
upon it by the authorities. 

On the 15th day of October, 1866, Col. Charles M. Prevost 
issued the following order : 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT, G. R. R. B. 

Philadelphia , October 15, 1866. 

General Order, 

No. 1. 

The undersigned having been commissioned by the Gov¬ 
ernor of Pennsylvania Colonel of this Regiment, hereby 
assumes command. 



22 


The following officers are appointed on the staff: 

James W. Latta, Adjutant. 

John M. Kollock, Surgeon. 

William A. Rolin, Quarter-Master. 

William H. Kern, Paymaster. 

They will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 

(Signed) CHARLES M. PREVOST. 

Colonel Prevost on January 27th, 1867, appointed George 
A. Smith Quarter-Master Sergeant and H. L. Elder Com¬ 
missary Sergeant. 

At a stated meeting of the Board of Officers, held Dec. 4th, 
1867, Brevet Colonel and Major Wm. McMichael was nom¬ 
inated for Lieutenant-Colonel, and elected to that position 
December 7th, 1867, and on the 14th inst. Brevet Colonel and 
Adjutant James W. Latta was elected Major. 

On January 11, 1868, Lieut.-Colonel Wm. McMichael was 
elected Colonel (Col. Prevost having been promoted to Major- 
General), and on January 20th issued the following General 
Orders: 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT, G. R. R. B. 
Philadelphia , January 20 , 1868. 

General Orders, I 
No. 1. / 

Brevet Major R. Dale Benson is hereby announced Adju¬ 
tant of the Regiment. He will be obeyed and respected ac¬ 
cordingly. 

By command Col. McMICHAEL 

(Signed) 

J. O. Giller, Act. Adjutant. 


23 


On'January 18th, 1868, Major James W. Latta was elected 
Lieut.-Colonel, and March, 1868, Adjutant R. Dale Benson 
was elected Major. Geo. H. North appointed Adjutant Sept. 
1868. November, 1868, Lieut.-Colonel James W. Latta was 
elected Colonel. January, 1869, R. Dale Benson was elected 
Lieut.-Colonel and Captain Jas. D. Keyser Major. 

In July, 1869, the Regiment had a very successful encamp¬ 
ment at Cape May, N. J., from 16th to 23d inst., and was 
honored by a visit from General U. S. Grant, then President of 
the United States. The encampment was called Camp Upton, 
in honor of Brevet Major-General E. Upton, U. S. A., and the 
following letter from that official explains itself: 

j WlLLOWBROOK, AUBURN, N. Y. 

\ August 19th, 1869. 

My Dear Colonel: 

I regret exceedingly that your letter of July 7th, apprising 
me of the proposed encampment of your regiment at Cape 
May and your purpose to name your camp after me, did not 
reach me in time to elicit a suitable response. Although apres 
coup , it is not too late to express my appreciation of the honor 
you conferred upon me, and now that your encampment is 
terminated I heartily congratulate you on the success attend¬ 
ing your efforts. 

Commendations of the appearance and discipline of the Gray 
Reserves, while at Cape May, have reached me from various 
sources and of such a nature as to inspire the hope that, under 
your command, assisted by your zealous and efficient officers, 
the regiment will place itself in the front rank of the militia of 
the United States. 

Your commencement has been most auspicious. Your 
regiment has been reviewed by his Excellency, the President, 


24 


and received such marks of his distinguished approbation as 
to make it conspicuous before the country. This position you 
must hold. The Gray Reserves constitute the First Regi¬ 
ment of Infantry of Pennsylvania, you and your officers 
should be content with nothing less than making it the first 
in drill and discipline not only in your State, but, if possible, in 
the country. I shall ever take a deep interest in your regi¬ 
ment, and if you but continue to display the high soldierly 
qualities which distinguished you in the field, its success will 
be assured. 

With high esteem, 

very truly yours 

(Signed) E. UPTON, 

Bvt. Maj-General , U. S. A. 

To Col. James W. Latta, 

Commanding Gray Reserves. 


The following communication was received from gentlemen 
sojourning at the Stockton House, Cape May, during the time 
of the encampment of the command at Cape May: 


Stockton Hotel, July 23, 1869. 

A large number of the guests of the Hotel having met in 
Parlor A, amongst whom were the following gentlemen: 


Gen. J. T. Owen. 
Matthew Baird. 
A. W. Markley. 
John J. Thomas, 
W. W. Harding. 
H. B. Ashmead. 
H. B. McCauley. 
Sami. R. Phillips. 
Jas. J. Mullin. 


Geo. J. Presbury, Jr. 
John B. Sexton. 
Thomas Dolan. 
Samuel B. Thomas. 
M. Hall Stanton. 

Jos. W. Page. 

Arthur Thatcher, Jr. 
Thomas T. Tasker, Jr. 
Wm. F. Hughes. 


25 


Gen. Wm, McCandless. 
John L. Bispham. 

John Penrose. 

George H. Colket. 

Col. John Clark. 

C. Jones York. 

Theo. Megargee. 

Lewis Wain Smith. 
Thomas Sparks. 

H. T. 


Gen. H. H. Bingham. 
Col. P. C. Ellmaker. 
Raymond Damman. 
John C. Bullitt. 

Gen. W. J. Sewell. 
James H. McKee. 

J. L. Stichter. 

G. W. Lauman. 

Peter Gardner. 
DeSilver. 


* 


and many other gentlemen, on motion L. Wain Smith, Deputy 
Attorney General, State of Pennsylvania, was called to the 
chair, and Captain Harrison T. DeSilver appointed secretary. 

General Owen, in presenting the resolutions hereto attached, 
premised by eulogizing the excellent conduct of officers and 
men of the Gray Reserve Regiment and of the marked success 
of the Reception Ball given at this house, as well as the great 
pleasure afforded the people of the island by the various enter¬ 
tainments given at Camp Upton. 

Whereas , We have, in common with the other houses on 
Cape Island, enjoyed for the week ending to-day, a series of 
entertainments given under the auspices or in behalf of the 
Gray Reserve Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia, under com¬ 
mand of Col. James W. Latta, which has been performing a 
tour of duty at Camp Upton: therefore. 

Resolved , That we express to the Field, Line and Staff 
Officers, the commissioned and non-commissioned Officers'and 
Privates, Drum Corps and Band of the Regiment, our sense of 
obligation and high appreciation of the uniform courtesy and 
soldierly bearing of officers and men of the command during 
their sojourn at Cape May. 


26 


Resolved , That the result of our observation of the rounds 
of camp duty performed by this command, the beneficial effect 
of camp discipline, the opportunity for prolonged squad, 
company and battalion drills, leads us to recommend to the 
citizen soldier ‘'camping out,” as the best method within their 
reach of learning the art of war, as well as of improving their 
physical health. 

Resolved , That a copy of these proceedings, signed by the 
president and secretary, be forwarded to the commanding 
officer of the regiment. 

(Signed) Lewis Waln Smith, Chairman 
H. G. DeSilver, Secretary. 

The following order was issued from Division Headquarters, 
owing to the designation of “First” in the line of the militia 
of the State being disputed by other regimental organizations: 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST DIVISION, P. M. 


Philadelphia , December /, i86g. 

General J. W. Hoffman, 

Commanding 2d Brigade. 

General: 

I have the honor to inform you that the Adjutant-General’s 
Department has decided that the “Gray Reserve” Regiment 
is entitled to the designation of the First Regiment of the 
First Division, Pennsylvania Militia, and it will be hereafter so 
called and known. 

I am yours, very respectfully, 

(Signed) JAMES STARR, 

Lieut-Col. and Div. Inspector. 

Headquarters 2d Brigade, 1st Div., P. M., Philadelphia, Dec. 
1st, 1869. 

Official. (Signed) William A. Hofmann, A. A. D. G, 


2 ; 


During the interval between 1869 and 1874 nothing occurred 
to call the regiment into active service. Their thorough drill 
and discipline was fully maintained, and on all public occasions 
where the military were present, they received the full enco¬ 
mium of the public. Among the special occasions on which 
the regiment was paraded, was the unveiling of the statue of 
Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States, in Fair- 
mount Park, which occurred on September 12th, 1871. 

The soldierly appearance of the regiment on their eleventh 
anniversary, called forth the following General Order of the 
Colonel commanding; 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. G. P. 

SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION. 

Philadelphia , April 20th , 18 J2. 

General Order \ 

No. 8. j 

The Colonel commanding congratulates the command on 
its magnificent appearance, high soldierly bearing, excellent 
deportment and well executed marching and manceuvering on 
the occasion of the parade in commemoration of the Eleventh 
Anniversary. 

It was his good fortune to meet on the evening of that day 
Maj.-General Meade, U. S. A., the General commanding the 
Division, the Adjutant-General of the State, the General com¬ 
manding the Brigade, and many prominent citizens of former 
military experience. 

Their encomium, passed upon the display, warrant the belief 
that the impression thus made, will, if our efforts to excel be 
continued, insure a distinguished and lasting reputation. 

By order of Col. JAMES W. LATTA. 

(Signed) 

Benj. P. Wilson, Adjutant. 


28 


The regiment also participated in the funeral ceremonies of 
Maj.-General George G. Meade, U. S. A., which occurred Nov. 
nth, 1872. 

On the 25th day of November, 1872, the regiment left the 
city to participate in the parade of Evacuation Day, in New 
York city, and was the guests of the 7th Regiment, N. G. S. N.Y. 
returning home on the 26th, on which day the Colonel com¬ 
manding issued the following: 


HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. G. P. 

SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION. 

Philadelphia , November 26 , 18 7 2. 

General Order, ^ 

No. 22. j 

The Colonel commanding congratulates the command upon 
the great success that attended the excursion to New York on 
the 25th inst. 

Its results surpassed and exceeded all that has been hitherto 
done; the press, the people and the soldiery of both our own 
and our sister city unite in universal encomiums on the drill, 
discipline, marching and excellent military and gentlemanly 
deportment of the entire regiment. The ovation on Broad¬ 
way, the enthusiastic reception at the Stock Exchange, the 
review at the City Hall Park, almost faultless in its execution, 
have added new and brighter laurels to your history, and will 
ever be pleasing reminiscences to all the participants. 

This expedition, it is believed, has done much to improve 
the tone of public sentiment towards the encouragement of the 
National Guard service, and to you it should be but a further 
incentive to strive by continued application and strict atten¬ 
tion and obedience to all orders and instructions to earn a 


29 


Municipal, State and National reputation that shall stamp this 
regiment as the peer of all its fellows in all that serves to make 
the true American soldier. 

By order of Col. JAMES W. LATTA. 

Signed, 

Benj. P. Wilson, Adjutant. 

On the 20th of January, 1873, the Regiment proceeded to 
Harrisburg to participate in the inaugural ceremonies of Gov¬ 
ernor elect, Maj.-General John F. Hartranft, on the following 
day. 

Colonel James W. Latta having been appointed by his 
Excellency, Governor Hartranft, Adjutant-General of the State, 
with rank of Major-General, Lieut.-Colonel R. Dale Benson 
was, on the 4th day of June, 1873, elected Colonel of the regi¬ 
ment, J. Ross Clark Lieut.-Colonel, and Charles K. Ide Major. 

At a meeting of the Board of Officers held November 5th, 
1873, the following preamble and resolution were unanimously 
adopted: 

Whereas , Colonel James W. Latta has been appointed Ad¬ 
jutant-General by his Excellency John F. Hartranft, Governor 
of the Commonwealth, thereby removing him from the com¬ 
mand of our regiment, and 

Whereas , it is meet and proper to give some expression of 
the opinion of the officers of the regiment which he has so 
long and ably commanded, therefore 

Resolved , That while we regret the loss we have sustained 
by the advancement of an officer so competent to command 
and so deserving of our steady support, we take this occasion 
to congratulate him upon his appointment and promotion so 
well deserved, and his Excellency, the Governor, upon the 
selection he has made of an officer, whose military record is 


30 

an indication of his entire fitness for the position to which he 
has been called. 

During March, 1874, there was some trouble among the 
railroad hands employed at Susquehanna Depot, with every 
indication of becoming a serious matter, and the First Regi¬ 
ment was again ordered to active duty. The following is the 
official report of operations in that direction by the Colonel 
commanding: 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT INFANTY, N. G. P. 

SECOND BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION. 

Philadelphia , April gth, 18 74. 

Lieut.-Col. A. P. Barber, 

A. A. G., qth Div ., N. G. P. 

Sir: 

I have the honor to report, in conformity to instructions 
from the Major-General commanding 9th Division, N. G. P., 
that in accordance with the following telegraphic order from 
His Excellency, the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, re¬ 
ceived at 11.50 P. M. on the 28th of March, viz: 

Col. R. Dale Benson, 

1 st Regiment Inf i, Philadelphia. 

Have your command in readiness to move to Susquehanna 
Depot not later than noon to-morrow. Have telegraphed 
General Prevost. 

Signed, John F. Hartranft. 

immediate measures were taken to place my command in 
marching order. At 8.20 A. M. on 29th of March, I received 
Special Orders No. from Headquarters 1st Division, N. G. P., 
(certified copy herewith marked “A”) directing me to proceed 


3 1 


at ii o’clock A. M., via Pennsylvania Central Rail Road to 
Susquehanna Station on the Philadelphia and Erie Rail Road, 
and to provide my command with three days’ rations and ten 
rounds ammunition per man. It being Sunday, and the notice 
being but 2hours before the hour designated to move, and 
being compelled to send three miles for the ammunition as 
ordered, it was utterly impracticable to supply the men with 
proper rations; subsistence was, however, furnished by the 
regimental Quartermaster for immediate necessity, though 
inadequate. A staff officer was despatched to the magazine 
for ammunition as ordered, and I reported my command at 
10.40 A. M., to the Assistant Adjutant-General of the division 
as prepared to move. 

Just previous to the hour fixed to move, I received verbal 
instructions from Major General Prevost, countermanding 
Special Orders, No. above referred to, and directing me to hold 
my command in readiness to move at three hours’ notice. In 
compliance with instructions from his Excellency, the Governor, 
I then directed that the command should be placed under 
arms every three hours, the rolls of the several companies 
called and report of each made to my Headquarters, which 
instructions were literally carried out until 7.30 P. M. March 
29th, when verbal instructions were received for the regiment 
to proceed to the North Penna. R. R. depot and embark for 
Susquehanna Depot. 

The command left said depot at 8.50 P. M., under instruc¬ 
tions as set forth in Special Orders, No. 6, Headquarters 1st 
Division, N. G. of Pa., (certified copy herewith, marked “B”), 
to report to Major-General Osborne at Susquehanna Depot. 
Information having been received that transportation had only 
been arranged as far as Bethlehem, upon arrival at that point 
at 11 o’clock, I immediately telegraphed to Superintendent of 


32 


Lehigh and Susquehanna Division Central R. R. of N. J., at 
Mahch Chunk, for motive power, and communicated with his 
Excellency, the Governor, in compliance with his telegraphic 
instructions. 

A locomotive having arrived, we left Bethlehem at 12.25 A. 
M., March 30th, and were joined at Mauch Chunk by Brig. 
Genl. John D. Bertolette, of the Governor’s staff, who, reporting 
at each point to his Chief of our progress en route , obviated the 
necessity of my communicating the same, information as 
ordered by the Governor in his telegraphic instructions. Every 
effort was made to push forward to the designated point, but 
from unavoidable delays in obtaining motive power, we did not 
reach Ninevah Junction, on the Jefferson Branch of the Erie 
Railway, until 11 o’clock A. M., March 30th. Upon receipt of 
information that the latter station was the nearest point to 
Susquehanna Depot that transportation could be obtained, no 
trains moving on the Erie Railway, the regiment dis-embarked 
and marched to Susquehanna Depot, where I reported my 
command to Major-General Osborne, for duty at 12.10 P. M., 
and requested that his Excellency the Governor might be 
advised of our arrival. 

Quarters were assigned the regiment in the machine shop 
of the Erie Railway, which it occupied until relieved from 
duty. 

The regular and daily routine of garrison duty was imme¬ 
diately ordered, interior guards posted, &c., and the strictest 
military discipline enforced, and I take pleasure in stating, 
that at the several regular roll calls each day commandants of 
companies reported every man present or properly accounted 
for. 

By verbal instructions from your Headquarters, my com¬ 
mand was relieved from duty at 2.30 P. M. April 1st, and 


33 


ordered to march to Ninevah Junction, embark and proceed to 
Philadelphia; we left Ninevah Junction at 4 P. M., and reached 
depot of P. R. R., at Philadelphia, at 8.30 A. M., April 2d. 

After providing coffee for the command, reported to Major- 
General Prevost every officer and man present or accounted 
for ; was relieved from duty and proceeded to armory, when the 
regiment was dismissed. 

Enclosed herewith is a report, marked “C,” of the strength 
of the command as reported to your Headquarters, showing 
the number of officers and men on duty. I take great pleasure 
in testifying to the efficiency and promptness on the part of the 
chiefs of the several departments on the staff of the Major- 
General commanding, under trying circumstances, and that 
every facility and comfort was extended to my command that 
lay in the power of the Major-General commanding. The 
nature of the service in which we are engaged, permits me to 
say, and I but speak the sentiment of the officers and men of 
my command when I record it, that they consider it to have 
been a distinguished privilege to have reported to and served 
under the command of the Major-General commanding 9th 
Division, N. G. of Pa. 

I have the honor to be, Colonel, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) R. DALE BENSON, 

Colonel 1st Reft Inf., N. G. P. 




34 


[certified copy of order, marked “a”] 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST DIVISION, N. G. P. 

Philadelphia , March 29, 18 jp 

Special Order, 1 
No. j 

I. By order of Governor John F. Hartranft, Commander- 
in-Chief of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, the 1st Regi¬ 
ment Infantry, 2d Brigade, 1st Division, N. G. P., Colonel R. 
Dale Benson commanding, will report at the Armory, Broad 
and Race Sts., this day at 11 o’clock, A. M., fully armed and 
equipped, to proceed to Susquehanna Station, Phila. & Erie 
R. R., to aid in suppressing a serious riot existing there. 

II. The regiment will be provided with three days’ rations 
and ten rounds ball cartridge per man. 

III. Transportation has been provided, and Col. Benson 
will report with his command at the Penna. R. R. Depot, 31st 
and Market Sts., at 12 o’clock M., and upon his arrival at Har¬ 
risburg he will receive from Governor Hartranft orders for his 
further governance. 

(Signed) CHARLES M. PREVOST, 

Maj.-General 1st Div ., N. G. P. 


“ B.” 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST DIVISION, N. G. P. 
Philadelphia , March 29, 18 jp 

Special Orders, \ 

No. 6. / 

By order of Governor John F. Hartranft, Commander-in- 
Chief, the 1st Regiment Infantry, Colonel R. Dale Benson 


# 



commanding, will proceed to Susquehanna Depot, via North 
Penna. R. R. to Bethlehem, Lehigh and Susquehanna Divi¬ 
sion of the Central R. R. of N. J., to the point of destination. 
On his arrival there he will report for duty to Major-General 
E. S. Osborne. 

Colonel Benson is authorized by Gov. John F. Hartranft to 
secure transportation and subsistence for his troops while in 
performance of this duty. 

By command of Maj.-General C. M. PREVOST. 
(Signed) 

G. H. North, Lieut-Col. and A. A. G. 

According to Field Return, marked “ C,” 1st Reg’t, N.G. P., 
at Susquehanna Depot, March 29—April 2d, 1874, there were 
25 officers and 304 men, total 329, on duty. 

In April, 1875, the coal regions in the neighborhood of 
Hazleton were disturbed by the dissatisfaction existing among 
the miners, and the First Regiment was again ordered into 
active service, (Maj.-General Osborne, commanding 9th Divis¬ 
ion, N. G. P., making a special request to the Governor that 
this regiment might be assigned to him for duty.) 

Their tour of duty on this occasion occupied about three 
weeks, particulars of which are given in the official report of 
the Colonel commanding, viz: 

Philadelphia , May 15th, i8yy. 

Lieut.-CoL A. P. Barber, 

A. A. G., 3d Div., N. G. P. 

Colonel: 

I beg leave to report that, in compliance with S. O. No. 14, 
Headquarters 1st Division, N. G. P., dated April 7th, 1875, 
copy herewith marked “A,” received at noon on same date, 


36 


* 


I immediately took measures to place my command under 
arms, and ordered the proper staff officers to provide subsist¬ 
ence and ammunition, as called for in the order. About an 
hour later I received the following telegraphic order through 
Headquarters 2d Brigade, 1st Division, N. G. P.: 

Major-General C. M. Prevost. 

Direct Colonel Benson to move with his regiment at once, 
by rail, to Hazleton, via N. P. R. R. He will immediately 
place himself in communication, by wire, with General E. S. 
Osborne, at that point. Advise him also to communicate here 
the hour of his departure and his progress along the route. 

By command of John F. Hartranft, 

J. W. LATTA. 

General Wagner is now arranging transportation for you. 
Advise him how soon you will be ready. 

R. R. Campion, Captain and Quarter-Master, at i.io P. M. 
telegraphed Major-General Osborne, at Hazleton, that I could 
move my command at 2 o’clock P. M., without rations, receiv¬ 
ing a reply that General Osborne had not reached Hazleton; 
the providing of subsistence was prosecuted with all dispatch; 
upon being advised by the Brigadier-General commanding 
brigade, that transportation would be in readiness at 5 o’clock 
P. M, at depot N. P. R. R., moved my command from its 
armory at 3.30 P. M., provided with subsistence and ammuni¬ 
tion, as ordered, and proceeded to the depot named. At 4.45 
P. M., in accordance with instructions, advised the Adjutant- 
General of the State, at Harrisburg, by telegraph, that my 
regiment was on train and would proceed at once to Hazle¬ 
ton. Left the depot at 5 o’clock P. M., reached Bethlehem at 
7.15 P. M., Maucli Chunk at 9 P. M., reporting at each point 
to General Latta, as instructed. Reached Hazleton at 11.7 


37 


P. M., immediately reporting in person to the Major-General 
commanding. Quarters were assigned the regiment at Hazle 
Hall. On the morning of the 8th of April, in accordance with 
S. O. No. 2, Headquarters 3d Division, N. G. P., same date, 
copy herewith marked “ B,” I ordered a battalion, consisting 
of companies A, B, D, H and I, under Lieut.-Col. Clark, to pro¬ 
ceed and garrison the mining towns of Jeddo, Eckley, Ebervale 
and Highland, with Headquarters at Jeddo; Assistant Surgeon 
% Leach and Commissary Sergeant Elder were detailed for duty 
with this battalion. Col. Clark was directed to report the dis¬ 
position of his command, to place himself in communication at 
once with Captain Post, 9th Infantry, commanding at Buck 
Mountain, with two companies of the 9th Infantry, that post 
having been placed under his command. He was instructed 
to report daily to my Headquarters the situation within his 
command, which orders he promptly and regularly complied 
with. As to the details of the tour of duty of the troops under 
his command, I beg to refer you to his official report, a copy 
of which accompanies this, marked “ C.” 

The battalion of the regiment remaining in Hazleton, con¬ 
sisting of companies C, F, G and E, held as a reserve, was 
placed under the command of Major Ide, still occupying the 
quarters at Hazle Hall. Major Ide was instructed to institute 
garrison duty in every detail, to carry out the same with exact¬ 
ness and strict discipline, and to drill his command constantly; 
his faithful compliance with these instructions will be shown 
by his official report, a copy of which accompanies this, 
marked “D.” 

The weather being quite severe during the first two weeks 
of the tour of duty, proved very trying to the entire command, 
being unprovided with blankets, especially in the battalion 
under Lieut.-Col. Clark. No application was made direct 


38 


from my Headquarters to the State authorities for blankets, as 
I was informed it had been done from superior Headquarters, 
and they were unable to furnish the same. But the liberality 
of the citizens and corporations that, on the i ith of April, for¬ 
warded, as a gift to the command, blankets for the entire 
regiment, added materially to the comfort of my men, who 
were actually suffering for such protection, and, I have no 
doubt, was the means of preserving the health of the entire 
regiment, which, from the Assistant Surgeon in charge official 
report, (copy herewith, marked “E,”) was, under the circum¬ 
stances, considered excellent. 

I constantly visited all the posts under my command, and 
although the patrol, out-post and guard duty was a severe test 
upon the discipline of the regiment, owing to the severe cold 
and inclement weather, to the credit of the officers and men it 
can be stated, they never relaxed in their duty or vigilance, 
and any hardship or extra duty was borne without a murmur. 

As the situation warranted, and the peace of the section 
under my command, through the force of military authority, 
began to be restored, I ordered the duties at the several posts 
lightened, with the authority of the Major-General command¬ 
ing, and finally, towards the close of our tour of duty, mere 
sentinel duty was observed. By direction of the Major-Gen¬ 
eral commanding, the presence of the military seeming suf¬ 
ficient to maintain the peace, Col. Clark’s battalion was re¬ 
lieved by a battalion 9th Infantry, and drawn into Hazleton 
April 26th. 

The regiment remained on duty until April 27th, when it 
was relieved byS. O. No. 58, Headquarters 3d Division, N. G. 
P., dated April 27th, 1875, and proceeded to Philadelphia via 
L. V. R. R. and N. P. R. R., at 9.37 A. M. April 27th, by 
special train. 


1 


39 


I have confined my report strictly to the military move¬ 
ments of my command, refraining from introducing any matter 
pertaining to any civil question, believing such observations 
are exclusively within the province of the Major-General com¬ 
manding. 

In closing this report, special mention is due to Assistant 
Surgeon Alonzo L. Leach, who, by the absence of Surgeon 
Stewart on leave, was, with the exception of two or three days, 
in charge of the medical department during the entire tour 
of duty. 

Although himself a physical sufferer, he was ever constant 
in his attendance on the command, and by the skill he evinced 
in his department, saved much suffering and contributed 
largely to the health of the regiment. He Was ably assisted 
by volunteer and acting Hospital Steward Emmor H. Lee. 

Also to Quarter-Master Sergeant Haverstick and Commis¬ 
sary Sergeant Elder, who, through the unavoidable absence 
of the chiefs of their respective departments, assumed control 
of same, and in which the marked ability and efficiency dis¬ 
played by them warrants this special commendation and my 
personal thanks. 

Sergeant Haverstick, until relieved by Regimental Quarter- 
Master Philbin, on April 19th, Sergeant Elder being on duty 
at Jeddo, superintended both staff departments at my Head¬ 
quarters at Hazleton with ability and great satisfaction, prov¬ 
ing himself eminently worthy of higher rank in the National 
Guard service. 

I have the honor to be 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) R. DALE BENSON, 

Colonel 1st Reg’t Inf., N. G. P. 


40 


According to Field Return of the 1st Regiment, N. G. P., 
there were on duty at operations in Luzerne county 24 officers 
and 330 men; total, 354 officers and men. 

At noon on the sixteenth of June, 1875, the regiment left 
Philadelphia for Boston, arriving there on the 17th, for the 
purpose of participating in the Centennial Anniversary of the 
battle of Bunker Hill, returning to the city on the 19th. 
While in Boston the regiment was under escort of the First 
Regiment Massachusetts N. G. The regiment had on parade 
29 officers and 419 men, making a total of 448 officers and 
men. 

At a meeting of the Board of Officers, held on the 8th day 
of July, the following resolutions were adopted: 

Resolved , That the Board of Officers of the First Regiment 
gratefully appreciate the public consideration and sympathy 
extended to the National Guard of the State by the business 
men of Philadelphia on the occasion of the Centennial Anni¬ 
versary of the battle of Bunker Hitt; and, while thanking them 
for their generous, unsolicited action, they take occasion to 
assure the subscribers to the fund, that their substantial recog¬ 
nition of a body of citizens, hitherto somewhat neglected, has 
done much to sustain the spirit, encourage the hopes and 
revive the pride of the volunteer organizations of this city. 

Resolved , That the First Regiment, as their representatives 
in part in the city of Boston, make special acknowledgement 
for the honor of selection, and are grateful that, through their 
liberality, they were permitted to appear in column on the 17th 
of June; 1875, with some of the best disciplined regiments 
from Massachusetts, New York, Maryland, and other States. 


4i 


On the 27th day of November, 1875, the regiment paraded 
on the occasion of the escort by the Division to the remains 
of Hon. Henry Wilson, Vice President of the United States. 

In compliance with General Orders, No. 1, dated January 
14th, 1876, the regiment assembled on 17th, at Regimental 
Headquarters, and proceeded to Harrisburg, Pa., to participate 
in the ceremonies attendant upon the inauguration of Major- 
General John F. Hartranft, Governor of the State. The regi¬ 
ment paraded 398 officers and men. 

* 

On the 10th of May, 1876, the regiment paraded for the 
purpose of assisting in the ceremonies attendant upon the 
opening of the Centennial Exhibition at Fairmount Park, 
Philadelphia, commemorative of the one hundredth anniver¬ 
sary of American Independence, on which occasion there were 
on duty 31 officers and 483 men, making a total of 514 officers 
and men. 

On the 4th of July, 1876, the regiment formed, in accord¬ 
ance with General Orders, No. 17, at 6.30 o’clock A. M., in 
full dress uniform, for parade in honor of the Centennial Anni¬ 
versary of the Declaration of American Independence. The 
regiment paraded 473 officers and men. In the line were 
many organizations from other parts of the country, including 
the West Point Cadets, 7th and 22d New York Regiments, 
Albany Zouave Cadets, the Washington Light Infantry, of 
Charleston, S. C., and the “ Centennial Legion,” composed of 
one company from each of the original thirteen States. 

During July, 1877, serious labor riots occurred at Pittsburg, 
Scranton and other portions of the State, resulting in much 
damage to property and also loss of life, and on the 20th day 


4 2 


of July the regiment was ordered under arms, and on the even¬ 
ing of same day proceeded to Pittsburg in accordance with 
orders from general Headquarters. 

The regiment was in active service from 20th of July until 
August 5th, full particulars of which will be found in the 
report of the Colonel commanding to Brigade Headquarters, 
hereunto annexed. 


HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. G. P. 

Philadelphia , August 2pth , 18 77. 

Major W. W. A^llen, A. A. G. 

1st Brigade , 1st Division , N. G. P. 

Sir: 

In compliance with the verbal instructions of the Brigadier 
General commanding Brigade, I have the honor to report that 
verbal instructions were given the 1st Regiment Infantry to be 
placed under arms, the evening of July 20th. Being absent 
from the city, the communication of the acting Assistant Adj.- 
General of Division, advising that the troops of this Division 
were ordered to be held in readiness to proceed to Pittsburg, 
Pa., did not reach me until 10.27 P. M. that date. I imme¬ 
diately repaired to the armory of my command, and found that 
Lieut.-Colonel Clark and the officers of the regimental staff 
had, with commendable promptness, placed the command in 
marching order. By verbal orders of the Brigadier-General 
commanding Brigade, the regiment marched from its armory 
at about 12.45 A. M., fully equipped, numbering 268 total, 
with 1500 rounds ammunition, and proceeded to depot of the 
Pennsylvania R. R., 32d and Market streets; embarked in 
train there in waiting, leaving depot about 2 o’clock A. M., 
July 21st. By order of Major-General commanding, about 
one-half my ammunition was distributed to other commands. 
At Harrisburg ammunition was distributed to my regiment, 
allowing an average of about 20 rounds per man. At Altoona 
sandwiches of bread and ham, also coffee, were issued to my 
regiment. Arrived at Pittsburg about 1.30 P. M. July 21st, 
when the same rations were issued. Stacked arms in Union 




43 


Depot until about 3 o’clock P. M.; when ordered under arms, 
proceeded upon right of brigade, in column of fours, along the 
line of Penna. R. R. tracks. The column was constantly 
halted, owing, I am informed, to difficulty in moving battery 
of Gatling guns. While on march, a party of 30 or 40 citizens 
moved directly in my front, preventing me from observing 
what should take place, I ordered them to disperse; a citizen, 
much agitated, since ascertained to be Sheriff Fife, Allegheny 
County, approached me, stating the body of citizens referred to 
was a sheriff’s posse , the troops were to support them in 
making arrests, and inquiring “would my men do their duty.” 
I informed him I had received no such orders, my front must 
be cleared, and it was not his business to inquire as to whether 
my command would perform its duty, and he was referred to 
General Matthews, commanding Brigade. The order to clear 
my front was obeyed, and General Matthews afterwards, 
coming to the right, stated that the sheriffs posse were ordered 
to march in front of the troops, and they were allowed to do 
so. Proceeding along the line of the rail road, amid the jeers 
and insults of the mob, that covered the roofs of the cars 
standing upon the tracks on both flanks, the column was 
halted at 28th street crossing, in the midst of an immense 
crowd. My command, being still in column of fours, was, 
when halted, entirely surrounded by the mob, those composing 
it standing shoulder to shoulder and breast to breast with my 
troops. The sheriff’s posse being upon my right, I was unable 
to observe what took place in my immediate front. Upon 
receipt of the order of General commanding Brigade to clear 
the rail road tracks the length of my battalion, I informed the 
mob on my left flank of the order, that I proposed to execute 
it, and that there was no necessity for violence; placed my 
battalion in line of battle, facing rail road shops, gave the order 
“forward,” the battalion at “carry arms;” the mob moved 
slowly and sullenly, addressing vile epithets to the officers; 
having cleared the tracks to the line of cars, battalion was 
halted and order was given to post a double line of sentinels, 
two from each company, to hold the line, before moving to 
the rear to clear the other tracks, when I received the order 
of Brigadier General commanding, through a staff officer, 
directing “ my front rank to stand where it was, and with rear 
rank to clear the other track,” to which order I replied that 
“I must protest; is it not a mistake?” Staff officer replied, 
“those are General Matthews’ instructions.” I replied, “they 
will then have to be executed.” It seemed in my judgment 


44 


extremely hazardous to expose a single line to the crowd bear¬ 
ing against it in such compact masses, and having but one 
officer to a company, except in two instances, it left my rear 
rank without officers to command it, and to move the crowd 
from the other tracks, exposed it in the same manner as front 
rank, and more so, all the files not being filled, to be broken 
by the pressure of the mob, if not by attack. The order was 
executed; the crowd not being as heavy on that flank, now 
my rear, gave way, and the tracks were cleared and held open 
by my command until relieved; the distance between my two 
ranks was about 15 to 18 paces. Through my ranks I observed 
other troops were brought forward and placed upon my right, 
covering the space between my ranks. A few moments after¬ 
wards I saw some of the men in those commands open fire; 
receiving no order, I gave the order to my battalion “to 
load,” as a matter of military precaution, and await edthe order 
to “fire,” which was not communicated to me, and which I 
did not consider I was authorized to give, superior officers 
being present. Pistol shots were frequent from the mob, and 
stones were thrown in large quantities at the troops, two men 
in my right company were shot, one disabled by a blow in 
the head from a stone, and some of the muskets of the men 
were grasped by the mob, before my battalion fired; then file 
firing commenced in my right company, and I immediately 
gave the order to “cease firing.” The yelling of the mob and 
the musketry firing prevented my order from being heard 
through the entire command at once, but, as soon as heard, it 
was obeyed. The firing, confined almost entirely to the right 
wing, had dispersed the crowd. As to the firing of my com¬ 
mand without an order from the commandant of battalion, 
whether the situation of the troops justified it, or self defence 
on the part of the men required it, or whether the order to fire 
should have been given, probably is not my province to decide 
or express an opinion officially. 

My battalion was then, by order of the Brigadier General 
commanding Brigade, moved to the right to more fully cover 
28th street,'where the mob was .still in large numbers; and, 
upon the mob refusing to keep back to a line indicated, I 
brought my three right companies to a “ ready,” when they 
scattered. By order, a company was thrown across the 
entrance to the grounds of West Penn Hospital to protect the 
rear, and my battalion remained in the position last indicated, 
until about 7 o’clock P. M., several men fainting and others 
made sick by the extreme heat and want of water. 


45 


The battalion, about that hour, was relieved, and with the 
brigade proceeded to the “ Round House,” farthest from 28th 
street, formed line and stacked arms; guards were detailed and 
posted, and the entrances covered by my battalion, as directed. 
Lieut.-Colonel Clark, of this regiment, was detailed as brigade 
officer of the day. 

During the night I was ordered to send a company to the 
windows of the Round House, facing Liberty street, to sup¬ 
port the two companies of the 3d Regiment, as the mob had 
placed a piece of artillery in position. Company D, Captain 
Wiedersheim, was detailed for that duty, performing the same 
in an admirable manner, and remaining on duty until the 
troops left the building. Later in the morning, being ordered 
to relieve the detachment of 3d Regiment, I ordered companies 
F, Captain Huffington, and K, Captain Cromelien, to relieve 
that command, which was promptly done, they remaining on 
duty until the brigade moved out of the building. Considera¬ 
ble exchange of shots took place between the troops and the 
mob during the night, but the mob was unable to fire the 
piece of artillery, or remove it, owing to the skillful and 
effective manner in which the men on duty kept it covered, 
and a number of the mob lost their lives in attempting to gain 
the piece. Rifle firing, from the cover of a board yard opposite 
the Round House, which was accurate and constant, was 
trying to the men, but was ineffective, as they were instructed 
to keep themselves covered, and my command lost no men in 
that building. During the night, hearing volleys of musketry, 
my command was placed under arms, as a precaationary 
measure, and perfect discipline was maintained. 

About 8 o’clock A. M., July 22d, the order was received to 
move, and the regiment proceeded on the right of the division, 
through the carpenter shop to Liberty street, by direction of 
the Brigadier-General commanding brigade; before leaving 
building, I detailed twelve men and one sergeant from my 
right (E) company, as skirmishers, and upon reaching the 
street, ordered Lieutenant Filley, E company, to assume com¬ 
mand of same. Column marched, without opposition, on the 
right, out Penn Avenue, and, when near Arsenal Building, 
firing that had been heard in the rear, increased rapidly, and, 
being dismounted, before I was aware of it, most of the other 
corps of the division came rushing through my column, firing 
indiscriminately, knocking some of my men down, and for a 
moment disorganizing my regiment, Jhough there was ample 
space on both my flanks, still being in column of fours. Lieut.- 


46 


Colonel Clark and myself endeavored to drive them from our 
ranks, threatening to run them through with our swords. The 
right company and skirmish line, hearing my order to halt, 
quickly did so, a drummer, beating the long roll, greatly 
assisted; the battalion was halted, formed to the left, to allow 
the other troops in full retreat to pass, when the Maj-General 
commanding division, in person ordered me to take my bat¬ 
talion to the rear of the division, stating it was a military 
necessity. I requested permission to march my battalion as 
my judgment dictated, which was granted. I then formed my 
right wing in column of fours on one sidewalk, and left wing 
on the other, leaving the Gatling battery in centre of avenue, 
between the two wings, and followed the division; my object 
being, by that formation the men could see what was occurring 
in their rear and I should be enabled to enfilade the streets or 
buildings on either side; my battalion was not attacked after 
taking the rear. One officer and several men were missing, but 
have since reported, and will be ordered before a Board of 
Inquiry, except in cases where exhaustion or sickness has 
been fully established. Crossing the Sharpsburg bridge, the 
command proceeded to grounds of the Allegheny County 
Poor House, about ten miles, over which entire distance my 
command assisted in hauling the Gatling guns, owing to which 
fact the details constantly being compelled to relieve each 
other, and the necessity that the men should obtain food that 
they could purchase or obtain from the houses en route , the 
march being an exceedingly trying one and fatiguing, regular 
halts were not made and the column was not kept closed up. 

Reached Allegheny County Poor House late in the after¬ 
noon ; towards night coffee and bread were issued, the first 
ration since 1.30 P. M. on the day previous; encamped for night; 
took cars at Claremont station early following morning', pro¬ 
ceeded to Blairsville Junction, and were joined there by detach¬ 
ments of 127 officers and men. Encamped there, performing 
regular camp duty until July 27th; embarked on cars that even¬ 
ing and proceeded to Pittsburg; encamped on grounds of West 
Penn Hospital, remaining until Aug. 1st. Broke camp at mid¬ 
night, and proceeded to entrance to grounds of West Penn 
Hospital, and awaited transportation until daylight; proceeded 
to Harrisburg and returned to Sunbury, there taking the 
Lackawanna and Bloomsburg R. R., proceeded to Scranton; 
during the night I was ordered to detail two companies to form 
an advance and march in Jpont of train; Co. “ E,” Capt. Muldoon, 
and Co. “D,” Capt. Wiedersheim, were detailed for that duty, 


47 


and they marched about eight miles, between Nanticoke and 
Plymouth, in that position, taking 5 or 6 prisoners. 

Upon arriving near Scranton, I was ordered to dis-embark 
my battalion, and advance into the town, which was done 
Without interference. The regiment was quartered in the 
Valley Hotel, a vacant building; guards were posted, all the 
duties of a post carried out, including battalion and company 
drills, dress parades and guard mount. The regiment took 
train at 10 o’clock P. M., August 4th; reached Philadelphia 
about 8 o’clock A. M., August 5th, and after a short march 
was relieved from duty, and proceeding to its armory, was 
dismissed. 

Throughout the tour of duty the details from my command 
were very heavy, and the men much taxed; the rations, a large 
portion of the time, inadequate for the needs of the men, they 
frequently being compelled to purchase actual necessary 
rations; limited means of preparing these rations were received, 
but no tents; yet their duty was faithfully and uncomplainingly 
performed, with great credit to themselves comparatively. 

There was but little sickness in my command. I have no 
hesitation in saying that both officers and men are deserving 
of the highest commendation for the discipline maintained 
throughout the tour of duty, and for the manner in which 
every duty assigned them was performed, often under trying 
circumstances. 

The casualties in this battalion, all occurred at 28th street, 
Pittsburg, July 21st, were four: One man shot in calf of leg, 
one in head, and two wounded by stones, all of E company. 

Private E. M. Baker, E company, shot in head and wounded 
with stone, remained on duty the entire time, and the ball was 
extracted upon return to Philadelphia, and he is deserving of 
special mention for gallantry. 454 officers and men of this 
regiment were actually on duty, not including those who failed 
to reach the regiment by loss of transportation, and who started 
from Philadelphia and failed to join from various causes. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

R. DALE BENSON, 
Colonel 1 st Regiment Inf., N. G. P. 


48 


HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, 

1st BRIGADE, 1st DIVISION, N. G. P. 

Philadelphia, September 5th, 18 77. 

Circular. 

The Colonel commanding takes great pleasure in publishing 
to the command the following expression from the Veteran 
Corps of the First Regiment Infantry, N. G. P., relative to the 
service performed by the regiment during the recent emergency 
in this State. Every officer and man will read with pride the 
estimate placed upon that service by those who organized this 
regiment, have ever fostered its interests, and have ever been 
alive to the necessities of our Nation, Commonwealth and City. 

Not forgetful of their service in the past, and appreciating the 
recent emergency, they promptly tendered the services of their 
corps to the Mayor of this city, and sent to the aid of the 
State the 20th Regiment Infantry , N. G. P, largely officered 
and commanded by one from their ranks, which is still on 
active duty, with honor to its organization, its projectors, and 
the Commonwealth it is serving. 

Philadelphia, August 20th, 18jj. 

To Col. R. Dale Benson, 

Comd'g First Regiment, N. G. Pa. 

Colonel: 

At a meeting of the Board of Officers of Veteran Corps Firs1 
Regiment, N. G. Pa., held this day, the following resolutions 
were unanimously adopted: 

Resolved, That the Board of Officers of the Veteran Corps 
First Regiment Infantry „ N. G. Pa., ever proud of its connection 


49 


with the active command, and prouder still of the recent exhi¬ 
bition of superb courage and soldierly fortitude as displayed at 
Pittsburg , and elsewhere, by that active command whose name 
is a part of our own, sends to Colonel R. Dale Benson, his 
brother officers, and the enlisted men of the First Infantry, 
the warmest words of admiration, endorsement and approval 
that language can express. 

Resolved , That this Board of Officers take the greatest 
pleasure in offering its congratulations that the casualties in 
action were comparatively so slight, when the ordeal was so 
terrible and the danger so great. 

Resolved , That the Board of Officers would feel highly 
complimented if Colonel Benson would cause these resolu¬ 
tions to be read to the various companies of his command, to 
give evidence that the Veteran Corps , through its official 
Board, desires to give formal expression of its obligation, in 
return for the valued services that have just been rendered the 
Commonwealth. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

(Signed) G. H. NORTH, 
Adjutant Veteran Corps ist Reg't Infantry. 

By order of Colonel R. Dale Benson. 

Joseph B. Godwin, 

Adjutant. 

At a meeting of the Board of Officers, held December 12th, 
1877, Captain James Muldoon announced officially the ac¬ 
ceptance of the resignation of Colonel R. Dale Benson, and 
at a meeting held on January 10th, 1878, the following pre¬ 
amble and resolutions were unanimously adopted. 


50 


Whereas , Colonel R. Dale Benson, after a faithful service of 
nine years as an officer of the First Regiment, has been 
honorably discharged from the National Guard service, thus 
severing his connection with this Board, we desire to give ex¬ 
pression to our feelings of regard for him as a man, our ad¬ 
miration as a soldier and our regret in losing a beloved Com¬ 
mander; therefore be it 

Resolved , We feel proud in having served under one who was 
always the soldier and gentleman, who inspired respect with¬ 
out causing fear, and discharged the duties of every position 
with signal ability and in a manner which reflected credit upon 
himself and brought honor to our corps. 

Resolved , That every officer and man in the First Regiment 
wishes for Colonel Benson a life of undiminished prosperity 
and happiness. 

From December, 1877, until September, 1878, the First 
Regiment was without field officers, but was ably commanded 
by Captain James Muldoon, of E company, whose thorough 
knowledge of the duties of a soldier enabled him to maintain 
the regiment up to the standard in drill and discipline. The 
following resolution offered by Colonel R. Dale Benson at the 
regular meeting of the Veteran Corps, October, 1878, was 
unanimously adopted: 

Resolved , That in the service rendered the First Regiment 
Infantry by Comrade James Muldoon during the year that 
he was called to its temporary command, amidst the embarras- 
ment incident to the year, in the National Guard service of 
the State, this corps recognizes the soldierly ability and quali¬ 
fications exhibited by Comrade Muldoon, and desires to place 
upon record its recognition of that service to the active 
command, and congratulate him upon the successful issue of 
his temporary administration. 


5i 


On September 26, 1878, Captain Theo. E. Wiedersheim was 
elected Colonel and Captain W. H. Gilpin was elected Lieut.- 
Colonel. 

On the 1st of Ocotober, 1878, the following order was issued 
by Col. Theo. E. Wiedersheim: 

HEADQUARTERS 

FIRST REGIMENT INFANTRY, N. G. P. 

FIRST BRIGADE, FIRST DIVISION. 

General Orders, \ Philadelphia , October 1st, i8j8. 

No. 18. J 

By virtue of election by the line officers, as prescribed by 
law, the undersigned hereby assumes command of the 1st 
Regiment of Infantry, N. G. of Pa. 

Appointments of Regimental Staff Officers will be announced 
in future orders. 

(Signed) THEO. E. WIEDERSHEIM, 

Colonel 1 st Reft Inf., N. G. P. 

On October 4th, the Colonel in G. O. No. 19, announced 
his staff appointments, among them as Adjutant, W. S. 
Poulterer. 

On Sept. 24th, 1878, the Adjutant-General of the State 
issued Circular No. 1, directing that the officers and men of 
the National Guard of Penna. must equip themselves in the 
uniform as prescribed for them by the State authorities. In 
conformity therewith, the regiment was duly equipped and 
made their first parade in the regulation uniform at the annual 
muster and inspection, on November 7th, 1878, by Brig.-Gen’l 
James W. Latta, Adjutant-General of State of Penna. 

On the 20th of January, 1879, the regiment proceeded to 
Harrisburg, to participate in the ceremonies attending the in- 


52 


auguration of General Henry M. Hoyt as Governor of the 
Commonwealth. 

On December nth, 1879, Artillery Corps, Washington 
Grays, the source from which the 1st Regiment originated, was 
united to the Regiment under the following order: 

HEADQUARTERS 

NATIONAL GUARD OF PENNSYLVANIA. 

Adjutant General’s Office. 

Harrisburg , December //, 18 jy. 

Special Orders, 

No. 38. 

I. “G” Company of the 1st Regiment Infantry is hereby 
transferred to and consolidated with “B” Company of that 
Regiment. 

II. .“A” and “D” Companies, 3d Regiment Infantry, 
(Artillery Corps, Washington Grays,) are hereby consolidated 
and transferred to and will be known as consolidated as “G” 
Company, 1st Regiment Infantry. 

III. Captain Eugene Z. Kienzle is assigned to the com¬ 
mand of “ G” Company, of the 1st Regiment, and Second 
Lieutenant Gustavus K. Morehead is transferred to it as its 
Second Lieutenant. 

IV. The enlisted men rendered supernumerary by these 
consolidations will be furnished with proper discharges by the 
company commanders of the companies to which they are as¬ 
signed, subject to the approval of the commanding officer of 
the 1st Regiment of Infantry. 

By command of HENRY M. HOYT, 

Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 

James W. Latta, 

Adjutant General. 


53 


Thus after an honorable service of more than a half century 
in the militia and National Guard of the State, it was consoli¬ 
dated with the organization it originally created, and became 
a part of the ist Regiment as Company “ G.” 

On the 16th of December, 1879, the regiment paraded in 
the reception of General U. S. Grant, ex-president of the 
United States; the number of men in the regimental line was 
greater on this occasion than the command had paraded for a 
period of nearly sixteen years, and the appearance and soldierly 
bearing never better; number of officers and men on parade 
being 670. 

The regiment has paraded on each anniversary of its organ¬ 
ization, viz: April 19th, for numbers of years past, and has also 
attended divine service yearly to listen to a discourse from the 
chaplain of the regiment. 

The following is the Roster of the Field, Staff and Line 
Officers of the First Regiment Infantry, N. G. P., April, 1880. 

Colonel : Theo. E. Wiedersheim. 

Lieut-Colonel'. Washington H. Gilpin. 

Major : Wendell P. Bowman. 

Adjutant'. H. Harrison Groff. 

Quarter-Master'. L. C. Tappey, Jr. 

Commissary'. Henry L. Elder. 

Paymaster'. Wm. H. Taber. 

Surgeon'. Alonzo L. Leach, M. D. 

Assistant Surgeon'. J. Wilks O’Neill, M. D. 

“ “ W. W. Valzah, M. D. 

Chaplain : Rev. Rob’t A. Edwards. 

Sergeant Major'. Henry Avery, Jr. 

Quarter-Master Sergeant'. J. Dallett Roberts. 


54 


Commissary Sergeant'. Fr’d Davis. 
Hospital Stewart , Charles Ouram. 
Drum Major'. W. T. Baker. 

Band Master'. J. G. Stevenson Beck. 

“A” Company. 

Captain'. Charles A. Rose. 

ist Lieutenant'. George A. Deacon. 

2d “ J. F. Smith. 

“B” Company. 

Captain'. J. Lewis Good. 

ist Lieutenant'. William Ewing. 

2d “ Louis K. Opdyke. 

“C” Company. 

Captain'. Wm. S. Poulterer. 

ist Lieutenant: Henry L. Townsend. 

2d “ Peace S. Conard. 

“D” Company. 

Captain'. Jos. H. Burroughs. 
ist Lieutenant'. Harry O. Hastings. 

“E” Company. 

Captain'. James Muldoon. 
ist Lieutenant'. Wm. H. Dole. 

2d “ James A. Filley. 

“F” Company. 

Captain'. Thos. E. Huffington. 
ist Lieutenant'. Fred’k P. Koons. 

2d “ A. L. Beck. 


55 

G” Company. 


Captain: Eugene Z. Kienzle. 
ist Lieutenant: Gustavus K. Morehead. 
2d “ A. L. Williams. 

“H” Company. 

Captain'. F. Amedee Bregy. 
ist Lieutenant'. Clarence T. Kensil. 

“I” Company. 

Captain'. Geo. K. Snyder, Jr. 
ist Lieutenant : H. P. Duncan. 

2d “ Fred’k Wm. Weightman. 

“K” Company. 

Captain'. Horace See. 
ist Lieutenant'. J. Campbell Gilmore. 

2d “ Edward S. Barnes. 


REGIMENTAL ARMORY. 


The want of suitable armory accommodations has been 
sadly felt by the command for many years; the ten companies 
being quartered in four different buildings, at inconvenient 
distances from each other, and the matter of bringing the entire 
organization under the same roof, has been considerably agi¬ 
tated and discussed by the members and its many friends, as 
well as by officers of large corporations, merchants, manufac¬ 
turers, and all citizens, in fact, who are interested in the pre¬ 
servation of law and order, for every prudent man must 
acknowledge “that an ounce of prevention is better than a 
pound of cure.” A Regimental Armory was the subject of 
discussion among the officers for a long time, but no definite 
action actually taken until October 23, 1878, when the Colonel 
commanding called a special meeting of the Board of Officers 
of the First Regiment, at which there was present, by invita¬ 
tion, the trustees of the Regimental Fund, the trustees of the 
State Fund (money returned by State of Pennsylvania, being 
the amount advanced by the citizens of Philadelphia for 
equipping the Twentieth Regiment, and by direction of the 
subscribers to the same placed to the credit of the First Regi¬ 
ment Armory Fund), and members of the Veteran Corps. 
After the chairman had stated the object of the meeting to be 
the consideration of a plan to erect a suitable armory, the 
matter was fully and freely discussed, and the chairman was 
directed, by resolution, to appoint “a Committee of Thirteen, 



57 


to consist of representatives of the Board of Officers, Veteran 
Corps, and of the Trust Funds, to whom the subject of the 
erection of an Armory should be referred, and the committee 
to report such suggestions as they deemed proper and neces¬ 
sary in the matter.” 

After many changes, caused by declinations and inability to 
give it proper attention, a committee was finally selected, con¬ 
sisting of: Colonel Theo. E.Wiedersheim, Chairman; Captain 
Geo. K. Snyder, Jr., Secretary; Lieut.-Col. W. H. Gilpin, Major 
Wendell P. Bowman, Captains James Muldoon, Wm. S. 
Poulterer, Joseph H. Burroughs, E. Z. Kienzle, Henry L. Elder, 
W. H. Taber, Lieutenants L. C. Tappey, Jr., Wm. H. Dole and 
Pearce S. Conard, to which was added an energetic committee 
of the Veteran Corps, viz: Col. P. C. Ellmaker, Major Wm. H. 
Kern, Major W. W. Allen, Lieutenants Chas. J. Field and 
Henry S. Field; subsequently the Veteran Corps, at the meet¬ 
ing in January, 1880, appointed a special committee to aid in 
furthering the efforts of the General Committee and assist in 
procuring funds for the purpose; this committee consisted of 
Comrades Jas. W. Latta, Wm. B. Smith, H. C. Miller, A. W. 
Taylor, Joseph W. Lewis, Thomas Marsh, D. Stanley Hassin- 
ger, James C. Wray, J. Parker Martin and James A. Moss. 

The General Committee issued a circular address to the 
citizens of our city, and in response thereto Major Edwin N. 
Benson and the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Rail¬ 
road subscribed $5,000 each; Messrs. Drexel & Co., Mr. Geo. 
W. Childs, Philadelphia National Bank, Philadelphia Saving 
Fund, and Philadelphia Contributionship, $1,000 each; Mr. 
Wm. M. Singerly, First National Bank, Mutual Assurance 
Company, Phila. W. & B. R. R., Fidelity Insurance and Trust 
Company, and Pennsylvania Company, $500 each, to which 
contribution were added a large number from the banks, 


58 


insurance companies and mercantile and manufacturing com¬ 
munity and the several companies of the regiment, until at 
this time over $50,000 are in the fund, and it will require at 
least $150,000 additional to carry out fully the desires of the 
committee and the necessary wants of the regiment, A lot at 
the S. E. corner of Broad and Callowhill streets has been 
purchased for $80,000, but no attempts will be made at build¬ 
ing until sufficient funds are pledged to enable the committee 
to erect an armory and deliver the same to the command free 
of debt. 

The committee is holding weekly sessions, and it is hoped 
that their efforts will be seconded by the receipt of additional 
subscriptions from all sources, so that their labors may not be 
in vain. 

The fqjlowing editorials from our leading newspapers fully 
express the sentiments of those interested in the project, and 
are the best evidences that the public fully appreciate the 
services of the regiment. 


[Public Ledger.) 

The New Armory for the First Regiment, N. G. P.—For some time past 
there have been strong efforts on the part of a number of prominent citizens, look¬ 
ing to the erection of a suitable armory for the First Regiment, N. G. P., Colonel 
Theo. E. Wiedersheim, and the contributions for that purpose have been liberal 
and numerous. The project has now assumed a definite shape, and steps have 
now been taken for the erection of an armory at the southeast corner of Broad and 
Callowhill streets. The work of building will soon commence. The committee 
of the First Regiment having* the matter in charge purchased the lot at the corner 
named from Mr. John Wanamaker for $80,000. The ground has a frontage on 
Broad street of 140 feet, and a depth of 220 feet. The lot was offered to the com¬ 
mittee by Mr. Wanamaker, some time since, for $70,000, but the purchasing 
parties were only willing to give $60,000, and negotiations ceased for a time. Mr. 
Wanamaker then gave notice that it was his intention to erect handsome stables 
on the lot, and that if the First Regiment desired to purchase it hereafter, they 
would have to buy the stables as well. Negotiations were then reopened and they 
culminated in the committee securing the lot for $80,000, which, it is said, is 
about $20,000 less than prominent real estate men consider the lot to be really 


59 


worth. The new armory will cost $150,000, and it is intended that it shall be an 
ornament to that part of the city. Over $50,000 have already been subscribed, 
but it is understood that work will not commence until $100,000 have been raised, 
and Colonel Wiedersheim says that the indications are that that sum will soon be 
obtained. The new armory will be large and substantial and contain all the re¬ 
quirements of a first-class regimental armory, including a large drill room, ten 
company rooms, an officers’ room and an apartment for the Veteran Reserve 
Corps. It is also contemplated to have a rifle range in the basement. Several 
plans for the armory have been submitted, but none has yet been selected. 


(The Times.') 

The First Regiment Armory. —The First Regiment has purchased the large 
lot at the southeast corner of Broad and Callowhill streets, and as soon as pos¬ 
sible will erect an armory suitable to the wants of the organization. The Regi¬ 
ment has long been in want of suitable armory accommodations, and in order to 
establish a more thorough system of discipline and be in position to render more 
efficient service in time of need, it has been their aim to secure a recognition from 
our citizens in the way of subscriptions, in order to enable them to erect a build¬ 
ing. It is hoped by having the ten companies under one roof to secure more effici¬ 
ency, at all events to be better prepared at short notice to any call to service. The 
regiment has received on the annual inspection by the Adjutant General of the 
State the highest rating for drill and discipline, and is deserving of public support. 
It is designed to erect a plain, substantial building, without show or unnecessary 
ornamentation, but one perfectly adapted for military purposes. 


{North American , March 2J, 1880.) 

The First Regiment. The First Regiment National Guards, which has long 
felt the need of a new armory, has at last succeeded in securing a suitable site, 
and proposes to begin building with as little delay as possible. Just how long a 
time must elapse before this programme can be carried out depends in great mea¬ 
sure upon the public. Every one agrees that the lot purchased, which is situated 
at the south-east corner of Broad and Callowhill streets, is a bargain at the price, 
but the price was eighty thousand dollars. It is estimated that the erection of a 
proper armory will cost half as much again, so that the First Regiment has en¬ 
tered upon an enterprise which will involve the outlay of two hundred thousand 
dollars. It is not to be expected that its treasury should be equal to such a de¬ 
mand as that. It must look to our business men for assistance; and it can do so 
with a better grace and a greater confidence because it has a reasonable claim to 
the help which it invites. Were it not that past services are so soon forgotten, it 
would be quite unnecessary to recall the splendid work done by the First Regi¬ 
ment during the troublous times of 1877. Promptly and in full force it took the 
field in the interest of law and order. Fortunately there was no necessity upon 
that occasion for the regiment to show its mettle in actual conflict. But there can 




6 o 


be no question that the demonstration which it made had a very salutary and per¬ 
suasive influence upon the would-be rioters. There does not seem to be much 
danger at the present time that the First Regiment will again be called upon to 
keep the peace, but it is impossible to tell what day may bring forth. Our mer¬ 
chants and manufacturers and corporations cannot afford to run any risks. It is 
their policy to take care that the valuable property which they have at stake is at 
all times efficiently protected against any possible outbreak of lawless violence. 
The best way for them to secure this protection is by combining to maintain the 
effectiveness of the First Regiment. It is upon these grounds that the First Regi¬ 
ment deserves to be liberally supported. Every large holder of property should, 
for his own sake, make a regular contribution for its maintenance. Corporations 
especially, which have the most to lose and are the first to be attacked when the 
public peace is broken, ought to make generous and regular donations for its sup¬ 
port. They may be sure of getting full value for their money. 


( Press.) 

The First Regiment’s Armory.—A committee of the ist Regiment Infantry, 
National Guard of Pennsylvania, has purchased the lot of ground at the southeast 
corner of Broad and Callowhill streets, and will erect in a short time an armory 
suitable to the wants of the organization. The proposed building will be erected 
on strict military principles and will be so disposed as to be readily capable of 
defence by a corporal’s guard, the ground floor to have one entrance and exit, 
the door of which will be fashioned on the old plan of a portcullis raised and 
dropped, as occasion may require, by suitable mechanical means. The companies, 
ten in number, will each have a separate room on this floor, with necessary 
adjuncts for the comfort and convenience of the officers and men, in addition to 
which rooms will be provided for the quartermaster’s and commissary departments, 
the Veteran Corps and the regimental armorer. In the basement of the armory 
will be arranged a rifle range, to be enlarged beyond the depth and width of the 
building by excavations under the three streets—Broad, Callowhill and Carlton— 
which give it frontage. The second floor will be used as a drill room for com¬ 
pany and battalion movements. Rough-hewn masonry, without attempt at unnec- 
cessary ornamentation, will characterize the building, which will combine strength 
and solidity. The committee having the matter in charge will in a short time be 
in position to receive plans for the building thus outlined as the idea they have in 
view, and a fair on a gigantic scale, patterned after that held by the 7th Regiment 
of New York last year, is in contemplation to help the building fund. 

This regiment is in a thorough condition, and is held ready for active service at 
short notice. Arms, accoutrements and supplies of every description being in 
possession of the command. Of the amount, $80,000, paid for the ground, a lot, 
140 feet by 220 feet, the sum of $50,000 has been already subscribed by prominent 
citizens and others, and is in the hands of the treasurer of the fund. All desiring 
to aid in the erection of an armory for practical military purposes, should do so 
at once, as this command is and has always been ready to perform any duty re- 



6i 

quired of them for the defence of their fellow citizens, and to assist in the preserva¬ 
tion of law and order. 


(,Sunday Republic .) 

On Thursday last a committee of the First Regiment and Veteran Corps, con¬ 
sisting of Colonel Theo. E. Wiedersheim, Colonel Peter C. Ellmaker, Major Jos. 
W. Lewis, Major Wm. H. Kern, and Captain James Muldoon, purchased a lot 
120x240 feet, at the southeast corner Broad and Callowhill streets, for the purpose 
of erecting an armory, the best step yet taken in this direction, and must be en¬ 
couraging to the members of the 1st, who have been for many years without proper 
armory accommodations; and it now looks as if their efforts will be generously 
seconded in the way of liberal subscriptions by every one having an interest, as 
they should have, in the National Guard of the State. 



VETERAN CORPS FIRST REGIMENT, 


N. G. P. 


On Friday evening, November 5th, 1875, in accordance 
with a call published in the papers of Philadelphia, about 200 
of the old members of the First Regiment, N. G. P., met at 
the armory, Lardner street below Fifteenth. 

The meeting was called to order by Major-General James 
W. Latta, upon whose motion Colonel Charles S. Smith was 
called to the chair, and Mr. S. Grant Smith appointed secre¬ 
tary. 

Colonel Smith, on taking the chair, stated that the object 
of the meeting was for the purpose of forming a Veteran Corps 
of the First Regiment, N. G. P., to be composed of those who 
had served in the United States army as regulars or volunteers, 
who had at any time been connected with the First Regiment, 
and any who had served with the First Regiment under any 
of its names, viz: Gray Reserve Begiment, Seventh Regiment, 
P. M., Thirty-second Regiment, P. M., and First Regiment, 
N. G. P. 

After addresses by Col. Smith, General Latta, Col. Ellmaker, 
and others, the meeting adjourned to meet at call of the chair. 

An adjourned meeting was held on 24th of November, at 
which committees on Constitution and By-Laws, Charter and 



63 


Membership reported. Nominations were made for officers to 
serve until April 19th, 1876, after which the meeting adjourned 
to meet on December 8th, for purpose of electing officers, and 
at the meeting held December 8th the following officers were 
elected: 

Coloyiel —Charles S. Smith. 

Lieutenant-Colonel —S. Bonnafon, Jr. 

Major —Edwin N. Benson. 

Adjutant —James W. Latta. 

Quarter-Master —Edwin North. 

Paymaster —Chas. S. Jones. 

Commissary —D. Stanley Hassinger. 

Captains —Henry J. White, Wm. A. Wiedersheim, 
James C. Wray, Jos. W. Lewis, and 
Chas. S. Boyd. 

Lieutenants —Daniel K. Grim, Albert D. Fell, Geo. 

F. Dellaker, J. N. Donaldson, and 
Wm. P. Atkinson. 

Surgeon —William S. Stewart. 

There was also elected at this meeting 162 members. 

On the 19th of April, 1876, in accordance with the Consti¬ 
tution, the following field officers were elected to serve one 
year: 

Colonel —Chas. S. Smith. 

Lieutenant-Colonel —S. Bonnafon, Jr. 

Major —Edwin N. Benson. 

The corps having paraded on Pennsylvania Day, Sept. 28th, 
1876, to Centennial Grounds, acting as an escort to his Excel¬ 
lency John F. Hartranft, Governor of Pennsylvania, the follow¬ 
ing communication was presented and read at a meeting of 
the corps on October 18th: 


64 


Adjutant General’s Office, 
Harrisburg , October efth , /<£ 

Col. Chas. S. Smith, 

Comd'g Veteran Corps ist Reft Inf., N. G. P. 

Colonel: 

The Governor directs me to return his thanks to your corps 
for its escort and presence on Pennsylvania Day. 

It was to him a great satisfaction that Pennsylvanians, them¬ 
selves displayed in such overwhelming numbers, should have 
had this fitting opportunity to see what has been her soldiery, 
and what yet, by their countenance and organization, propose 
to encourage her established national guard system. 

Very respectfully, 

James W. Latta, 

Adjutant General. 

On April 19th, 1877, Colonel Charles S. Smith having 
declined a re-election for Colonel, the following preamble and 
resolutions, presented by Major Edwin N. Benson, were unan¬ 
imously adopted: 

Whereas , It has been officially announced by the Colonel 
commanding the Veteran Corps First Regiment of Infantry, 
N. G. P., that, in view of having arrived at the advanced age 
of eighty years, many of which have been spent in the National 
Guard service, he deems it to be the course of wisdom to 
withdraw from military life, and to decline any further honors 
of office or preferment; and by reason of which decision he 
has declined the use of his name as a candidate for re-election 
to the office he now fills: Colonel commanding the Corps >' 
therefore be it 

Resolved , That this Board of Officers desires to place upon 
record its admiration and respect for Colonel Charles S. Smith 


65 


as a soldier and a gentleman, who carries to the verge of four 
score years his interest in his comrades in arms, and especially 
in his brother officers and fellow soldiers of the First Regi¬ 
ment Infantry; who, when the Veteran Corps was organized, was 
among the first to enrol his name as a member, and has con¬ 
tinued until now its efficient commanding officer and faithful 
friend, and who carries with him into his well earned retirement 
the affectionate regard of every officer who has had the good 
fortune to be under his command. Be it also 

Resolved, That the Adjutant be instructed to present to the 
Veteran Colonel of the Veteran Corps a suitable copy of this 
expressed sentiment of the Board of Officers, properly attested, 
as a lasting evidence of its respect and affection. 

The following field officers were elected April 19th, 1877 : 
Colonel, James W. Latta; Lieut.-Colonel, S. Bonnaffon, Jr.; 
Major, Edwin N. Benson. 

On the 22d and 23d of July, 1877, special meetings of the 
Corps were held to take action in reference to the troubles 
existing around Pittsburg, caused by the rioters. 

On motion, the Corps tendered their services to the Mayor 
of Philadelphia, in case the riot should extend to this city, and 
it was also agreed to raise a regiment, fully armed and 
equipped, and tender the same to the Governor, which was 
done, and the regiment accepted and mustered into the service 
of the State as the Twentieth Regiment, P. M. 

We take the following from the report of Col. S. Bonnaffon, 
Jr., commanding the Twentieth Regiment, to the Veteran 
Corps, under date of date of October 17th, 1877: 

The 20th Veteran Regiment was uniformed and equipped 
by the aid of the Finance Committee appointed by the Veteran 
Corps, 1st Reg’t, N. G. P.: Col. P. C. Ellmaker, Col. Chas C. 


66 


Knight, Major Wm. H. Kern, Major Wm. H. Loyd, and 
Lieutenant Chas. J. Field, and paid for by them from money 
subscribed by loyal citizens of Philadelphia. 

I desire to call the attention of the Corps to the fact, that 
the total time occupied in mustering into the service, uniform¬ 
ing, arming and equipping the Twentieth Veteran Regiment, 
N. G. P., was thirty-six hours, a feat unprecedented and un¬ 
paralleled in the military history of this continent. 

On July 27th the regiment left Philadelphia, en route for 
Pittsburg, and on July 28th reported to Major General R. M. 
Brinton, commanding First Division, N. G. P., at Pittsburg, 
for duty, and continued with that command until August 4th, 
when the regiment was ordered to report to Major General 
A. L. Pearson, commanding Sixth Division, N. G. P., for duty 
at Wilkesbarre, and continued with that command, doing guard, 
out-post and patrol duty in the Luzerne coal fields, and protect¬ 
ing the lives and property of the citizens of Luzerne county. 

It would be impossible for me to speak in better terms of 
the conduct, deportment, drill and discipline of the 20th Vet¬ 
eran Regiment, N. G. P., than has been expressed by the 
officers under whose command it served, and the just apprecia¬ 
tion of its services as shown by the citizens of Wilkesbarre. 

Section V., from Special Order, No. 56, Adjutant-General’s 
Office, Harrisburg, Pa., September 17th, 1877: 

V. In dispensing with your further service, the Com- 
mander-in-Chief extends his congratulations to you, and his 
thanks to the generous citizens who so effectually aided in 
your equipment. 

Organized and equipped with a speed rarely equalled, you 
were at once so schooled in drill and discipline as to attract 
universal favorable attention and fairly earn the name you bear. 

Your duties have been onerous, exacting and continuous, 
performed with a full knowledge of their executions and with 
a constancy and cheerful obedience under the pressure of a 


6y 


continued and unexpected retention on duty, that showed that 
you well understood that the sole purpose of your enlistment 
was the maintenance of the laws and protection of law abiding 
citizens. 

In your final discharge, the Commonwealth parts with the 
valuable services of a body of officers and men, skilled and 
trained in the trying duties that have recently devolved upon 
all her soldiery, with the assurance, however, that you, with 
your fellows, have so contributed to the restoration of peace 
and good order, that the force which relieves you will suffice 
to secure the continued supremacy of the law. 

By command of JOHN F. HARTRANFT, 

Governor and Commander-in-Chief. 

James W. Latta, 

Adjutant General. 

While at Wilkesbarre the Twentieth Regiment was presented, 
by the citizens of Allegheny county, with a stand of colors, 
which were presented to the Veteran Corps on February 22d, 
1878, in presence of the Governor and a large number of 
distinguished guests and members of the Corps and First 
Regiment. 

On the 19th of April, 1878, the following field officers were 
elected: Colonel, James W. Latta; Lieut.-Colonel Henry J. 
White ; Major, James C. Wray. 

On the 3d of July, 1878, the uniformed battalion left the city 
to participate in the ceremonies attending the one hundredth 
anniversary of the “Massacre of Wyoming/’ at Wilkesbarre, 
returning on the morning of the 5th. 

On the 19th of April, 1879, the following field officers were 
elected: Colonel, Jas. W. Latta; Lieut.-Colonel, S. Bonnaffon, 
Jr.;'Major, James C. Wray. 

The Corps since its organization has paraded on each 
anniversary of the First Regiment, April 19th, and has also 
attended divine service with the First Regiment on each 






68 

anniversary of Washington’s birthday. It also participated in 
the parade of July 4th, 1876, and in the reception to General 
U. S. Grant, ex-president of the United States, December 16th, 
1879. 

Following are the officers of Veteran Corps 1st Regiment: 

Colonel —James W. Latta. 

Lieutenant-Colonel —S. Bonnaffon, Jr. 

Major —James C. Wray. 

Adjutant —George H. North. 

Paymaster —Albert W. Taylor. 

Surgeon —C. S. Turnbull. 

Quarter-Master —Edwin North. 

Commissary —D. Stanley Hassinger. 

Captains —J. Parker Martin, Jas. D. Keyser. 
Lieutenants —John A.Wiedersheim, Chas. J. Field, 
H. P. Dixon, Geo. W. Briggs. 









































































































































































































































































































































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